For centuries, the Matsés have been locked in conflict with outsiders encroaching on their lands set on resource extraction, from the rubber barons of old to modern-day multinational petroleum corporations and timber mafias. This project will empower the Matsés to continue to preserve their forest for future generations.
Due to the size and remoteness of the rainforest the Matsés protect it is difficult to identify and respond to incursions in a timely manner. With the impending construction of a road that will pass right by their Northern border it is imperative that the Matsés are prepared to respond to this new threat. Acaté is providing Matsés with communication equipment, monitoring tools, and training courses so that they can detect illegal incursions from timber cutters, illegal settlers, and bushmeat hunters. This program is a continuation of Acate’s five-year Ancestral Mapping Project that trained the Matsés in the use of GPS units, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software, and map-making. The next stage involves the implementation of an Action Plan recently developed by Matsés leaders to monitor and protect their rainforests through an enhanced and sophisticated communication network between the geographically distant villages, establishment of monitoring stations at sensitive areas, use of camera traps to detect illegal bush-meat hunting and timber loss.
Learn more about Acaté’s Building Natural Capital in the following links and field reports:
Acaté Amazon Conservation is a non-profit conservation organization based in the United States and Perú that is an extraordinary partnership of the Matsés indigenous people and dedicated conservationists with decades of experience. The Matsés live in the Amazon Rainforest along remote tributaries of the Javari river in the frontier divide of northeastern Perú and Brazil. The Matsés safeguard a vast and biodiverse corridor of intact primary rainforest as well as shield some of the last remaining uncontacted tribal groups in isolation from unwanted encroachment from the outside world.
All of Acaté’s projects are developed in a close partnership with, led, and implemented by the Matsés indigenous people. We operate through implementing strategic programs and real-on-the-ground initiatives that help them protect their chosen way of life, traditions, their ancestral lands and ecology. The on-the-ground conservation initiatives are capacity-building and designed to support their self-sufficiency and independence. Acaté operates with unparalleled integrity and transparency in its operations, partnerships, and reporting.
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Please consider donating today to support our work. The Matsés and other indigenous peoples in the Amazon struggle with the most limited external resources to protect the future of their people, culture, and their rainforests. Each donation will be applied where it will have the highest impact and with full transparency and accountability. Acaté does not exist for the sake of sitting on the sidelines. We are here to make a true impact and we welcome your support!
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