The Cross-Border Network for the Protection of Ancestral Territories, an initiative supported by Fundación Pachamama, recently completed its second annual Meeting in Iquitos, Peru (11-14 October.) The Encounter brought together 40 participants from 5 countries and representing 13 indigenous groups divided by national borders to share experiences, identify a common cross-border agenda, and develop a work plan for 2010. Countries represented included Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil, and indigenous groups included Achuar, Shuar, Kichwa, Quechua, Awá, Sapara, Awajún, Huitoto, Shawi, Cocama, Ticuna, Matses, and Cavineño. Pachamama developed the methodology and materials utilized in the event, as well as coordinating the logistics alongside members of the Steering Committee. The event was a success and achievements included; the official formation of the Network, the development of a common trans-border agenda, the development of a preliminary workplan for the five countries in 2010, the election of a new Steering Committee composed of indigenous leaders and their technical teams, and the signing of a joint declaration in solidarity with indigenous groups in the frontiers of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Photo: Shuar, Awá, and Achuar members of the Cross Border Network seal their commitment with a handprint at the regional meeting in Iquitos. (From left: Raul Petsain, Bi-national Coordinator Shuar-Wampis, Olindo Nastacuaz, President of the Awá Federation of Ecuador, Silverio Tii, Director of Territories, Achuar Nationality of Ecuador) Photo credit: Melaina Spitzer, Red Transfronteriza para la Defensa de los Territorios Ancestrales, Fundación Pachamama
