This year, ACT and the University of Utrecht will commence a joint project designed to strengthen sustainable management to protect resources and biodiversity in Trio and Wayana territory. The priority areas will be defined through careful discussion with local indigenous communities. The project will run for two years and has a budget of 215,000 euros.

In January, shamans from various villages across Suriname’s rainforest interior partook in a two-day evaluation of ACT Suriname’s Shamans and Apprentices Program. In addition to the presence of indigenous shamans, Ramon Awenkina—a maroon traditional healer from Gonini Mofo who specializes in bone-setting—joined the meeting.

In February, Rudo Kemper (Amazon Conservation Team), Niradj Hanoeman (ADEK University student), and Keeng Koemoe (an indigenous cartographer from Kwamalasamutu) traveled to the upper Saramacca river in Suriname for one month to commence a two-year participatory mapping project with the Matawaai maroon people.

Bruce Hoffman, Manager for Field Projects of ACT Suriname, is working with the indigenous community of Kwamalasamutu on a project…

This January, ACT’s GIS (geographic information systems) team composed of Brian Hettler, Santiago Palacios, and Rudo Kemper traveled to Belem,…

Several corporations around the United States recently began supporting ACT with generous in-kind donations. Our field staff now sport KEEN shoes, sleep in Eagle’s Nest Outfitters’ hammocks and use Rite in the Rain all-weather notebooks. We are working to increase these partnerships to supply our colleagues with the equipment they need to be safe and effective in their fieldwork. To see the full list of ACT’s corporate sponsors, click here.

Donate $500 today to receive a limited edition tote bag created exclusively for ACT. This tote, illustrated and designed by award-winning author and illustrator Janell Cannon, features an image of Kogi Mamo Shibulata. Cannon collaborated with the Kogi people on the drawing, which illustrates environmental dilemmas that challenge the Kogi, as well as the entire world.

ACT raised funds to purchase a 70-acre property next to Jaba Taniwashkaka—the first Kogi coastal sacred site we acquired and protected in 2013, preventing its purchase by developers who had preliminary plans to build a large resort and marina there.

Yachaikury—the ACT-sponsored ethnoeducation school of the Inga people—may soon be funded by the government for its master architectural plan. By improving dormitories, classrooms and bathrooms, Yachaikury will become an even better place for children to live and learn.

This month, ACT launches its monthly giving program—a way for donors like you to provide our indigenous partners, such as…