Since its founding in 2019, the Coomatavén Multiactive Cooperative has become a key driver of sustainable economic development for Matavén Indigenous communities. Established to integrate and coordinate the efforts of various local organizations and participants in the REDD+ Matavén Productive Projects, Coomatavén strengthens solidarity-based economic circuits, promotes fair trade, and moves towards a vision of community self-sufficiency.
By strengthening the local economy, Coomatavén also drives forest conservation in Matavén. As Indigenous communities gain greater access to sustainable income-generating opportunities, their capacity to resist external pressures producing deforestation, significantly increases. In this way, the cooperative becomes a powerful tool that enables communities to continue acting as guardians of the territory and protectors of the forest, while improving their quality of life and building economic self-sufficiency.
Strengthening Indigenous Economies from Within the Territory
Coomatavén was born from a collective dream: to weave local economic networks that connect Indigenous families with responsible markets, without compromising their cultural identity or autonomy. Today, that dream is taking shape with tangible results:
- 84 members are actively part of the cooperative.
- In August 2024, a governance training workshop was held for the Board of Directors, laying the foundation for the Cooperative Life Plan and collectively defining Coomatavén mission and vision.
- The General Assembly was held on September 29, 2024, reaffirming the members’ commitment to democratic governance.
- Educational booklets on cooperativism and the solidarity economy were developed and distributed, promoting knowledge-sharing and empowerment within communities.
Solidarity-Based Economic Circuits: A Model of Barter, Fair Trade, and Value-Added Products
Over the past year, Coomatavén has strengthened its on-the-ground operations through various initiatives:
- Four monitoring visits were conducted at the cooperative stores in Cumaral and Morichal, which are key points in the Indigenous economic circuit.
- A barter system was implemented, exchanging mañoco and cacao for basic goods, reviving ancestral practices adapted to the current economy.
- Sales operations were launched in the stores and at the collection center in Inírida, ensuring a steady flow of local products such as cacao, plantain, and mañoco.
- 1,479 kilograms of cacao beans were purchased from families in five communities participating in the Agroforestry Cacao Project.
- Coomatavén participated in two Farmers’ Fairs, where women showcased locally transformed products such as cacao, plantain, and mañoco.
- During the REDD+ Matavén Project verification audit, the Cooperative shared its experience with the auditing team at the Cumaral store and Inírida collection center, demonstrating transparency, commitment, and organizational capacity.
Innovation and New Experiences
- A mobile store was piloted, allowing families to exchange products like cacao for groceries and essential goods, improving access in remote communities.
- The Internal Control System (ICS) of the Agroforestry Cacao Project, crucial for achieving organic cacao certification, was fully implemented. A mobile data collection tool was also introduced to improve field monitoring and data processing.
Coomatavén: A Collective Commitment to “Buen Vivir” (Living Well)
The journey of the Coomatavén Cooperative is a powerful example of how the Indigenous peoples of Matavén are creating sustainable economic alternatives rooted in conservation, mutual respect, collaboration, and ancestral knowledge. With every step forward, Coomatavén proves that a solidarity-based economy is not only possible, but already happening: one that strengthens the territory, improves livelihoods, and transforms lives.