The recent Executive Order issued on January 24, 2025 by the U.S. Government and implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has resulted in an immediate halt in funding for a variety of projects, including our sister organization, Fundación Pachamama’s SACHA (Sustainable Activities for Conservation of a Healthy Amazon) Project—our largest initiative to date.
The Executive Order halts funding for 90 days to allow the U.S. Government to reassess the effectiveness and alignment of existing international development programs with potential shifts in foreign policy priorities.
The SACHA Project is supported by a $12 million grant from USAID, which began in 2024 and was slated to continue until 2028. This funding directly supports efforts to improve the conservation and sustainable use of Amazon forest ecosystems across four provinces in the Amazon. The project directly supports over 276,000 Indigenous people from seven different nationalities, sustains 50 bioenterprises, while also enhancing the livelihoods of 6,000 individuals—70% of whom are Indigenous and 45% are women.
This development comes at a critical time. The funding cuts threaten to disrupt decades of hard work and partnership that have helped Fundación Pachamama bridge Indigenous wisdom with modern challenges. Beyond the immediate impact on the SACHA project, more than half of Fundación Pachamama’s staff are directly or partially funded through this initiative. We are actively seeking solutions to ensure the continuity of programs and the well-being of those who depend on them.
While this is a challenging moment, we remain steadfast in our mission. The Amazon’s future—and that of the people who call it home—depends on our collective commitment. We deeply appreciate the strength of our community of supporters and the role they play in making this work possible. We will keep you updated and, as always, remain grateful for your partnership in protecting one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth.
