Amazon Conservation & Indigenous Revival

Project Update: Preserve Kamentsa Yage Wisdom & Restore

February 2025 Progress Report

Video report

Dear GlobalGiving Donors,

We are delighted to share the progress of our project to preserve Kamentsa's wisdom and restore the Amazon rainforest in the Alto Putumayo region. Since launching GlobalGiving in November 2024, your generous support has enabled significant advances in our mission to protect the natural environment and the ancestral knowledge of the Kamentsa people.

Project Background

The Kamentsa people have been stewards of the Alto Putumayo region for generations, maintaining a deep knowledge of medicinal plants, including the sacred Yage (ayahuasca). However, mining and deforestation have severely impacted the local ecosystem, threatening the environment and this invaluable cultural heritage.

Recent Achievements

Thanks to your support, we have:

• Successfully planted 149 new seedlings of native species
• Prepared holes for 150 additional trees for the next transplanting season
• Maintained ongoing care for established trees through fertilization and weeding
• Maintenance of our botanical garden with 150 native plant medicines including yage

Our plantings include vital native species that are in extinction danger such as:

• Yarumo
• Yage (ayahuasca)
• Mayo
• Motilon
• Mate
• Chilca
• Palmito
• Arrayan
• Manduro
• Nacedero

Cultural Preservation

Under the guidance of our director, Taita Juan Agreda, this project goes beyond environmental restoration. Each planted tree strengthens the connection between the Kamentsa people and their ancestral lands, ensuring that traditional medicinal knowledge thrives for future generations.

Looking Forward

As we prepare for the next transplanting season, your continued support will help us:

• Complete the planting of 150 additional trees
• Provide ongoing care and maintenance for existing plantings
• Support the Kamentsa community in preserving their traditional knowledge
• Further, restore areas damaged by mining and deforestation

Thank You

Your donations make this vital work possible. Every tree planted represents hope for the preservation of both the Amazon rainforest and Kamentsa cultural wisdom. We are grateful for your partnership in this important mission.

Please visit our GlobalGiving project page for more information about our progress or to continue supporting our work.

With gratitude,

OIOC

Links:

• Video with report of advances for donors February 2025