Indigenous guardians successfully keep extractives out of Ecuador’s Amazon forests

Mongabay
Mongabay
2M ago
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The Pakayaku community in Ecuador's Amazon has successfully prevented illegal mining and logging in their territory, highlighting the importance of Indigenous stewardship in environmental conservation.
Indigenous guardians successfully keep extractives out of Ecuador’s Amazon forests
A What happened
The Pakayaku community in Ecuador's Amazon has been instrumental in protecting their forests from illegal mining, logging, and oil extraction. Their guardian program, led by 45 women warriors, patrols 40,000 hectares of rainforest, ensuring that their cultural and ecological heritage remains intact. The community has developed a comprehensive 'plan of life' that outlines their vision for sustainable living, emphasizing autonomy and economic independence from extractive industries. Despite increasing government interest in resource extraction, the Pakayaku have maintained their resistance, showcasing the vital role of Indigenous communities in environmental conservation and the preservation of biodiversity.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Indigenous Resistance: Pakayaku's guardians exemplify Indigenous resistance against extractive industries.

  • 2

    Cultural Preservation: The community's efforts highlight the importance of cultural traditions in environmental stewardship.

  • 3

    Government Threats: Ecuador's government policies pose significant risks to Indigenous lands and ecosystems.

Takeaways

The Pakayaku community's successful defense of their territory against extractive industries underscores the critical role of Indigenous knowledge and leadership in environmental conservation. Their ongoing efforts serve as a model for sustainable living and resistance against external pressures.

Topics

Culture & Society Society Climate & Environment Climate Change Sustainability