Colombia | Proposal Call for Amazon Indigenous Peoples. Image Credit- Ministerio de Ambiente, Colombia.
Amazon Colombia

Colombia | Proposal Call for Amazon Indigenous Peoples

Soledad Quartucci

Colombia | A call for proposals has been initiated specifically for indigenous peoples of the Amazon region.

Environment Minister Susana Muhamad has introduced this initiative, which boasts a budget of $28.653 billion. The primary goal is to address four key areas of collaboration with indigenous communities. Notably, women from indigenous backgrounds will take on leadership roles, actively driving participation in the projects. There is a stipulation that mandates up to 50% of approved proposals to be led by women.

In the preceding three calls, the Amazon Vision program has already provided funding for 139 projects in the region, totaling over $50 billion.

 

 

 

 

Bogotá D.C. With resources amounting to $28.653 billion, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, through the Amazon Vision program, has launched the fourth call for the Indigenous Pillar project for the Amazon. This initiative will finance projects benefiting Indigenous Peoples, with women taking a prominent role.

 

 

“In times of climate change, we cannot overlook ancestral knowledge. Without the Amazonian peoples, there is no Amazon, and the Amazon is fundamental to us. I’m pleased to announce that, with the launch of the Life Fund, there will be a special focus on indigenous peoples, with an emphasis on environmental zoning,” stated Environment Minister Susana Muhamad.

 

 

 

 

 

The project, defined across four areas – Territory and Environment; Self-Government; Economy and Production; Women and Family – will, for the first time, prioritize the involvement of indigenous women. It’s mandated that at least 50% of the total funded projects must be led by them.

 

 

“We have already funded 139 projects, covering 70% of the territories in the Amazon and impacting 25,000 people. This call was made in collaboration with the Amazon Regional Table, and it’s notable that we have allocated 50% to projects focused on women and family, to be led by women,” explained José Yunis Mebarak, Coordinator of the Amazon Vision Program.

 

 

 

Carmen Jojoa, from the National Organization of Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon (OPIAC), highlighted, “For the first time, women will begin formulating projects. This is historic! Women have been instrumental in caring for the Amazon, and now we have the opportunity to strengthen these initiatives. It’s crucial that the voices of women are not forgotten; they should be highlighted in all spaces, especially those of the wise women in the territories.”

 

 

Similarly, Martina Klumpp, Ambassador of Germany in Colombia, commented, “We are deeply moved by the design of these projects. It is the women who understand the territory and drive sustainable development. It’s essential that we create conditions for indigenous peoples to live in harmony with nature. We remain committed to the Amazon Vision program and to supporting you in your role as guardians of the forest.”

 

 

 

 

 

How to submit a project:

Proposals must consider the reduction of deforestation, conservation of forests and biodiversity, addressing locally identified priorities related to general issues of Amazonian peoples, contributing to existing processes in indigenous organizations and capacity building in communities and their organizations, incorporating technical and social criteria aimed at promoting the sustainability of processes in the future, among other factors.

Interested parties can find a guide to submit their projects on the portal: https://patrimonionatural.org.co/convocatoria/cuarta-convocatoria-pilar-indigena-vision-amazonia-2024/. Proposals must be sent to [email protected] or in physical form to the Natural Heritage Fund in Bogotá (Calle 72 # 12-65, 6th floor) by June 4th at 11:59 p.m.

Investments from previous calls:

The first call financed 10 projects for $6 billion; the second financed 26 projects for $18 billion; the third financed 34 projects for $21.6 billion.

Additionally, an extra call exclusively for women was launched, financing 69 projects for $5 billion. These calls covered 70% of the indigenous territories of the Colombian Amazon.

The opening of this IV Call was led by Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Susana Muhamad, along with the Coordinator of the Amazon Vision Program, José Yunis Mebarak, indigenous leaders, Embassies of Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, and representatives of the German bank KfW.

 

Soledad Quartucci | CEO/Founder, Latina Republic

Latina Republic is dedicated to promoting regional understanding through compelling narratives, articles, interviews, and reports that emanate from the heart of the Americas. Our foremost goal is to facilitate constructive dialogue by illuminating local viewpoints frequently overshadowed by mainstream media. Our mission is to equip all stakeholders with essential insights for addressing regional issues, thus empowering them in their efforts. We are committed to portraying the victories and hardships of everyday life in Latin America, while also chronicling the progression of social movements and amplifying the voices of those at the forefront of change.

 

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