Initiatives

Our first global project is to raise funds to support Indi Yuyai in Colombia with a seed grant to conserve land in the Amazon jungle.  Your contributions will support this process!

Our current project-based focus is to raise funds, approximately $220K, to support the acquisition and conservation of 150 hectares of land surrounding the Indi Yuyai Reserve in the Inga territory of Putumayo, Colombia.

Why this project is important:

The Inga people of Putumayo, Colombia, have faced significant challenges over the last 50 years, including displacement due to armed conflict, cultural erosion, economic pressures, and environmental degradation from illegal mining and deforestation. These issues have not only reduced their population but also weakened their traditional practices and connection to their ancestral lands. Conservation and land protection are crucial to reversing this decline. By purchasing and conserving ancestral lands, the Inga people can preserve their cultural heritage, ensure indigenous sovereignty, protect vital ecosystems and water sources, and promote sustainable development.

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Founded by Inga tribal leader, Taita Jose Sebastian Jansasoy, Indi Yuyai aims to preserve the knowledge and culture of indigenous peoples. Its mission includes defending Mother Earth, protecting nature and her water sources, supporting indigenous communities, and the preservation and restoration of sacred sites within the Inga community.

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Indi Yuyai is dedicated to reviving traditional indigenous wisdom, including knowledge of Amazonian plants and practices in Colombia and neighboring countries. The corporation emphasizes the defense, use, and protection of the environment surrounding these territories, along with developing productive projects that support these objectives.

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These initiatives are guided by the vision of Taita José Sebastián Jansasoy, who honors the teachings of revered spiritual leaders and teachers. His work is grounded in the principle of the law of origin, which underscores love and respect for Mother Earth and the creative spirit of the universe. This principle acknowledges the interconnectedness of all creation and its essential role in sustaining life on Earth and beyond.

 

Conservation and land protection are crucial! By purchasing and conserving ancestral lands, the Inga people can:
   •    Preserve their cultural heritage: Protecting the land allows the Inga to maintain their spiritual and cultural connection to their territory, keeping traditional practices, language, and ecological knowledge alive.
   •    Ensure Indigenous sovereignty: Securing legal rights to their land helps the Inga assert control over their resources, resist exploitation, and defend against external threats like mining.
   •    Protect vital ecosystems and water sources: The land is home to key water sources and biodiversity. Conservation efforts safeguard these against contamination from mining, ensuring clean water for the community and preserving ecological balance.
   •    Promote sustainable development: Conservation aligns with the Inga’s traditional knowledge of sustainable land stewardship, contributing to both local well-being and global climate goals by preventing deforestation and environmental degradation.
By purchasing and conserving this land, we not only help the Inga people regain control over their ancestral lands but also support broader efforts to protect vital ecosystems and cultural diversity, which are essential for sustainable futures.