Governance
Through this Key Activity, we aim to empower ACATISEMA, the traditional authorities, and the communities of Matavén by providing essential technical, technological, infrastructure, material, logistical, economic, and financial resources. This support strengthens their leadership and autonomy, ensuring the survival of Indigenous peoples and the protection of their natural resources.
REDD+ Matavén
ACATISEMA (Asociación de Cabildos y Autoridades Tradicionales Indígenas de la Selva de Matavén) was officially established on December 9, 2002. It is a legally recognized Indigenous organization in Colombia that implements self-governance strategies to promote the sustainable development of Indigenous communities, preserve their culture and society, and protect the environment and biodiversity of the Matavén Forest. ACATISEMA is dedicated to safeguarding the traditions, culture, and natural environment of Matavén for future generations.
Empowering Indigenous Leadership: Strengthening ACATISEMA
The successful implementation of this Key Activity has led to significant results and benefits, including:
- Infrastructure Improvements: We supported the construction and maintenance of four ACATISEMA offices in Cumaribo, Inírida, Villavicencio, and Urba Morichal. These offices are equipped with essential furniture, technology, and services such as internet, electricity, and security systems. Additionally, we provide equipment such as laptops, printers, and televisions to community meeting centers, enhancing their functionality and support community activities.
- Transportation Support: We acquired a speedboat to ensure efficient transportation for ACATISEMA’s administrative staff and project teams, improving access to Matavén communities.
- Financial and Logistical Support: We provide monthly payroll, benefits, and operational expense support for ACATISEMA staff, covering salaries, social security, vacation payments, identification cards, and institutional clothing. We also cover contracts and benefits for technical and professional personnel in areas such as healthcare, environmental management, accounting, and legal advisory.
- Financial Administration: We cover the financial obligations of ACATISEMA, including taxes, operational costs, and other financial commitments, ensuring smooth operations across all administrative levels.
Cultural and
Sports Events
We offer logistical support, including transportation, meals, lodging, stationery, and materials, for knowledge-sharing events and sports competitions. These activities promote community cohesion and help preserve the cultural traditions of the six Indigenous groups in the Resguardo.
- We conducted a comprehensive social and economic census of the Matavén population, following the guidelines set by the Colombian Ministry of the Interior. This effort ensures that Indigenous communities are able to benefit from government programs and initiatives led by non-governmental institutions. Additionally, we updated the database of Matavén sectors for organizations such as the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), the Mayoralty, the Municipal Agricultural Technical Assistance Unit (UMATA), and Indigenous Affairs.
- We identified and documented vulnerable groups within the Matavén community, focusing on the elderly and disabled populations.
Meetings and Workshops
We provide support in logistics, transportation, meals, lodging, stationery, and materials for the organization and execution of various key gatherings.
These include: General Assembly, board of Cabildos, Coordinating Committee, accountability sessions, election of Cabildos; Zonal, Sector, and Community meetings, Captain meetings to deliver management reports, Sector meetings, review and adjustment of Indigenous Life Plans, unification and implementation of the Community Educational Project (PEC), activity planning and investment plans, management of ancestral territories, sanitation and efforts, inclusion of new indigenous communities, training in governance, leadership, and administration, workshops for the Indigenous Guard and Captains and hosted collaboration meetings with institutions such as the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADS), Ministry of the Interior, National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), and the United Nations, among others.
Community
Enhancements
- We finance the construction of multifunctional sports complexes, school dormitories, community dining rooms, and community meeting centers.
- We support efforts to clean, fence, and beautify Indigenous communities.
- We provide sports equipment, musical instruments, and cultural attire to Indigenous thought centers, promoting cultural engagement and tradition preservation.
- We offer economic and food assistance to Indigenous leaders and community center staff.
