By Karina Ormeno | Communications Coordinator
Dear friends and supporters,
We hope this report finds you well. Over the past few months, we’ve continued working closely with Indigenous and local communities, as well as with our allies, united by a shared vision and a deep love for the Amazon.
In March, we carried out technical support visits to the Kukama communities along the Marañón River, where we’ve been developing our work for nearly two years with 26 families. Every visit to San Juan, Shapajilla, Parinari, and Tangarana allows us to witness growth in the plants, in the bees and their honey production, and in our Promotoras in their roles as leaders in these communities. In Shapajilla, Silvia, our Permaculture and Community Outreach Coordinator, continued the process of recording mahogany and other timber trees in the National Forestry Plantation Registry. She is working on this with the support of 17 families and local authorities.
One of the most exciting developments this quarter has been the expansion of our work to two new Kukama communities: Atenas and Mundial. We had known for some time about their interest in joining the project, and during an earlier visit we formally presented the initiative and met community members. In each village, a general assembly was held to introduce the goals of the project and collectively select a local Promotora to lead implementation. We’re thrilled that both communities have decided to join us on this journey. During the first year, we agreed to begin working with six families in each village. As the project unfolds, more interested families will gradually be welcomed in, allowing the initiative to grow organically within each community.
These newly appointed Promotoras have already received their first training. They participated in a workshop alongsideIndigenous leaders involved in ORPIO’s initiative to protect a critical area for uncontacted peoples - the Yavarí-Tapiche Territorial Corridor. Over six days, participants received hands-on training in agroforestry, native stingless beekeeping, organic fertilizer (biol) production, grafting techniques, and more. The training included a two-day visit to “Mi Amazonas,” a native plant nursery and close ally of our work, where they had the chance to expand their knowledge.
All of these new Promotores will share their knowledge and experiences within their home communities, multiplying the impact of our collective efforts. With this expansion, Chaikuni is now bringing its agroforestry and meliponiculture strategy to a total of 20 communities: 10 within the Yavarí-Tapiche corridor, 6 Kukama communities in the Marañón river basin, and 4 local communities in the Nanay river basin.
As we celebrate this growth, we also want to pause and thank you. None of this would be possible without your continued support. We grow because you walk with us.
Together for the Amazon,
The Chaikuni Team
By Karina Ormeno | Communications Coordinator
By Diego Carhuaricra | Coordinator of the Chaikuni Center
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