Indigenous youth spearhead recovery and regeneration: their reforestation projects
Green Crusaders Rising: Showcasing Indigenous Environmental Champions in Paraguay, Colombia, and Peru
Step into the vibrant world of young Indigenous leaders who are making waves in the fight against climate change and the protection of biodiversity. These environmental champions from Paraguay, Colombia, and Peru are leading the way with their innovative reforestation projects and deep connection to the land.
Paraguay: Dierson Piris Isasi (Ava Guaraní)
Hailing from the Mytuy community in Curuguaty, Paraguay, Dierson Piris Isasi isn't your average teacher – he's a fierce eco-warrior instilling the traditional values of his roots in his students. As he enters his final year of law school, Dierson's passion to defend the rights of his people is fueled by his past encounters with discrimination and institutional injustice.
Dierson's project, dubbed "Reforestation and Environmental Education," aims to promote reforestation and environmental awareness within the Mytuy community. Last year, it resulted in increased local forest cover through strategic tree planting initiatives and educational programs that raise awareness about the vital role of trees in tackling climate change, preserving biodiversity, and improving overall environmental well-being. To drive this initiative, Dierson conducts workshops and lectures to equip the community with the skills necessary to plant and care for trees effectively and sustainably.
Colombia: Johan Alexander Motta Vasquez (Murui)
From Patio De Ciencia Dulce, Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia, Johan Alexander Motta Vasquez is a valuable member of the Murui community. Trained as a systems technician, his life took an unexpected turn with the birth of his daughter and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading him to pursue diplomas in sustainable rural tourism and environmental management. Inspired by his cultural heritage in traditional medicine and agriculture, Johan founded the Indigenous Tourism Association Jofo Ananeko in 2021.
Johan's association focuses on strengthening community water systems through the use of ancestral knowledge and the planting of native species such as Aguaje, Asai, Bacaba, and Camu Camu to improve river health and overall community life quality. By organizing community meetings, appointing elder leaders, and executing projects to clean local water courses, Johan's efforts ultimately emphasize the importance of water for life and the maintenance of a sustainable, harmonious way of living.
Peru: Harol Chujandama Apagueño Patrick (Kechwa)
Harol Chujandama Apagueño Patrick, a Kechwa Amazonian from Peru, is deeply committed to his community, Tupac Amaru, and the organization FEPIKECHA. A fierce advocate for indigenous rights and environmental conservation, Harol calls for immediate measures to protect Amazonian leaders amidst a climate of violence. He emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration between the state and civil society to develop innovative solutions for environmental protection and the safety of environmental defenders.
Through his project, "Making Visible to Resist: Protecting Defenders of the Lower Huallaga," Harol sheds light on the challenges faced by Lower Huallaga communities in defending their lands and demonstrates the urgent need for protection of Amazonian leaders and the environment. This project documenting testimonies of threatened leaders, illegal logging, illicit crops, and abandonment, also includes reforestation initiatives led by the San Martín regional government and community women, preserving traditional knowledge and promoting sustainable development.
In a world grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change, these young Indigenous leaders stand as beacons of hope, offering invaluable contributions through their unwavering commitment to environmental preservation, reforestation, and the revitalization of ecosystems. It's time for the world to take notice and empower these visionaries with the resources and autonomy they need to lead the way towards a more sustainable, resilient future.
Science plays a crucial role in the environmental initiatives undertaken by the Indigenous leaders in Paraguay, Colombia, and Peru, as they incorporate research and understanding of climate change in their projects.
The educational programs led by Dierson Piris Isasi (Ava Guaraní) in Paraguay, Johan Alexander Motta Vasquez (Murui) in Colombia, and Harol Chujandama Apagueño Patrick (Kechwa) in Peru not only promote reforestation but also invest in the self-development of the community members, making them knowledgeable advocates for environmental science and sustainability.
