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The Americas

Indigenous peoples across the Americas are facing significant challenges to their way of life due to a variety of factors, including extractivism, drug trafficking and land grabs. A key struggle across the region is for formalised titling of collective lands.

In the Americas, we partner with Chirapaq, Centre for Indigenous Cultures of Peru and the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampis Nation (GTANW) in Peru, who are working to address these issues.

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Introducing a New Resource for Community-Based Biodiversity Monitoring

Originally published on ICCS.org.uk   In the face of escalating biodiversity loss and the urgent need for sustainable conservation practices, the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPs & LCs) has never been more critical. To ensure that their actions are recognised and supported…
07.05.24
Video

Community Video: Monitoring Paiche Fish Repopulation in Puerto Juan, Morona

Dashed lineThe community of Puerto Juan (Shinguito) in the Morona River basin mobilized a group of 12 people, with high participation from women, to manage the project component of Paiche fish repopulation. The group conducted a Paiche census in their oxbow lake using the plot…
30.04.24

Project Update April 2024

This Project Update, published in April 2024, brings together updates from the Transformative Pathways partners on their key activities and work undertaken since the start of the project in 2022.   Capacity building sessions on biodiversity monitoring have been a key part of the first phase…
11.04.24

Introduction to community-based environmental monitoring: practical guidance for monitoring of natural resources by Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

This guide is for the local organisations working with communities (e.g. community-based organisations and local non-governmental organisations), which are facilitating Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPs and LCs) to design and implement environmental and biodiversity monitoring activities on their lands. The guide includes approaches and…
03.04.24
Article

Indigenous-Led Reforestation Efforts in Peru’s Andes and Amazon Regions

In February 2024, members of the indigenous Quechua communities of Cayara and Hualla in Ayacucho, in alliance with the municipalities of these districts and the Regional Department of Agriculture of Ayacucho, carried out an important reforestation work during the rainy season in the Andes. In…
03.04.24
Article

Indigenous Conservation Advocates from Ayacucho and Pasco Input into Peru’s Updated Biodiversity Strategy 2050

In February 2024, 14 indigenous conservation advocates from the regions of Ayacucho and Pasco in Peru participated in the updating of the National Biodiversity Strategy 2050, contributing with their knowledge and experience to strengthen indigenous peoples’ initiatives in the protection of biological diversity and territorial…
03.04.24

Further info

Indigenous peoples in the Americas have a deep connection to the natural world and their traditional territories, which often overlap with areas of high biodiversity. However, they face significant challenges in maintaining their ways of life and protecting their lands and natural resources. 

One of the main threats to indigenous peoples and biodiversity in the Americas is the expansion of agribusiness, mining, and infrastructure development, which often leads to the destruction of forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems. This can have devastating impacts on indigenous communities, who rely on these resources for their livelihoods and cultural practices. 

Indigenous communities in the Americas also face threats from illegal hunting, fishing, logging and drug trafficking, as well as the impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods. In addition, many indigenous peoples have historically faced discrimination and marginalization from governments and dominant societies, which has limited their ability to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lands and resources. 

Despite these challenges, many indigenous communities in the Americas are actively working to protect their lands and natural resources, often with the support of civil society groups and international organizations. These efforts include community-based conservation initiatives that promote sustainable land use practices, as well as advocacy and legal action to defend indigenous rights and territories. 

Migreth Berna López (22 years old), of the Yanesha people, in an exchange of knowledge. Community of Shiringamazu, district of Palcazu, province of Oxapampa, Pasco region, Peru.
Migreth Berna López (22 years old), of the Yanesha people, in an exchange of knowledge. Community of Shiringamazu, district of Palcazu, province of Oxapampa, Pasco region. Photo: Luisenrrique Becerra Velarde / CHIRAPAQ.
Wampis in assembly in Kankaim, Peru.
Wampis in assembly in Kankaim. Photo: Evaristo Pujupat / GTANW