July 31, 2005
Overview of Meeting in Achuar Territory
From July 26-29, Pachamama organized and facilitated a significant conference in Achuar territory between NGOs interested in conservation, development, poverty alleviation, and indigenous issues. The meetings took place at the Kapawi Ecological Reserve and in the Achuar community of Sharametsa so that each actor could gain a better understanding of the realities of the region, its natural wonders and its people.
Interested NGO participants included various representatives from Pachamama, World Wildlife Fund International and WWF Perú, Fundacion Natura Ecuador, and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV). FINAE president Milton Callera accompanied the group at all of its meetings and made two presentations regarding the organization and work of FINAE, as well as the needs, culture, and current projects of the Achuar people. Kapawi manager Paulina Rodriguez presented the approach and vision of Kapawi and the planned transferal of all management of the ecolodge to the Achuar nation in 2011. In addition, the local leader of Sharamentsa Domingo Peas was present. Sr. Peas, a visionary who has created a model of sustainable development in his community (including compost toilets, solar panels for electricity, and sustainable extraction of peanut oil), organized events and led discussions during the day in his community.
Identifying a clear overlap of projects among conservation NGOs acting in the central-southern Ecuadorian Amazon, Pachamama decided to hold this meeting to streamline work in the region in order to best meet the needs of the rainforest and its inhabitants. Indeed, the glut of current conservation projects in the region often does not further the goals of the indigenous people in the area. With this meeting, Pachamama sought to make connections between conservation and other factors, especially in terms of territorial and cultural defense and local sustainable development. In addition, the invited NGOs generated new ideas about projects, approaches, and contacts for Pachamama, Kapawi, and the Achuar communities. Hopefully, these meetings will stimulate interest and spawn collaborative projects between NGOs and the Achuar nation in the future.
Posted by Lee Gilman at July 31, 2005 11:46 AM
