OVERVIEW

The Territories of Life Activity strengthens the capacity of indigenous organizations and traditional authorities in the Amazon Basin to govern their territories.  The activity provides technical assistance to five indigenous community organizations to establish and manage Indigenous Community Conservation Areas (ICCAs).   The establishment of ICCAs upholds indigenous communities’ right to territory and enables them to better manage the natural resources contained in their lands.  ICCAs also contribute to the advancement of peace, self-governance, and sustainable development.  This activity runs from April 2020-March 2023.

Colombia is one of the most ethnically, culturally, and biologically diverse countries in the world. The Colombian Constitution recognizes the importance of the country’s diversity and guarantees indigenous peoples’ rights. This includes the right of indigenous communities to govern their territory and to conserve their natural and cultural heritage.

COMPONENTS

STRENGTHENING ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITIES

The Territories of Life Activity strengthens five indigenous organizations’ capacities to develop policies, procedures and management structures needed for improved self-management and institutional sustainability.

IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH

The Territories of Life Activity trains indigenous communities and traditional authorities in the skills needed to communicate their successes and to identify and explain the challenges faced by their communities.  The activity also encourages the active participation of women and youth in all programmatic efforts. 

ESTABLISHING INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY CONSERVATION AREAS (ICCA)

The Territories of Life Activity helps indigenous communities in Guaviare, Putumayo and Vaupes to legally establish and manage ICCAs. The activity also trains ICCA committees on how to perform biological and biocultural monitoring; use management tools and planning; and foster intercultural dialogue.

EXPECTED RESULTS 

• Establish five ICCAs in the Colombian Amazon;
• Improve the conservation of 200,000 acres of forest;
• Create and disseminate ICCA Traditional Management Plans;
• Develop an innovative intercultural methodology for biocultural monitoring; 
• Create a Colombia ICCA Network and register five ICCAs into the United Nations ICCA Network; and
• Promote self-determination, increased community organization engagement, and improved social awareness on the value and impact of ICCAs.