Traditional knowledge at the heart of safeguarding the Colombian Amazon
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Yaigojé Apaporis © Raudal La Playa, Gaia Amazonas
Indigenous communities of the lower Apaporis River - traditional owners of +1 mio ha of Amazon territory - worked with Colombian national park authorities on a solution to the threat of mining. Yaigojé Apaporis became Colombia's 55th national PA in 2009. A special agreement respects the autonomy and traditional practices of indigenous communities. It hinges on work by local communities to record, document and transfer traditional knowledge for protecting the forest.
Last update: 05 Oct 2020
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Impacts
Conservation of several Amazonian ecosystems - a unique mosaic of tropical humid forest, alluvial plains, and rocky formations rising to 250m above sea level. Continuation of cultural practices for the efficient and integral protection of both indigenous territory and national park, including traditional physical activities (hunting, fishing, harvesting, horticulture) and sophisticated shamanic and spiritual practices. Biodiversity and wildlife conservation, including endemic plant species, newly registered birds, butterflies and fish, and 16 species of endangered mammals.
