Special Programs

FOREST - BIODIVERSITY - WATERS - INDIGENOUS

Beyond our 8 Key Activities, REDD+ Matavén has launched 6 Special Programs tailored to address the unique needs of the Indigenous communities of Matavén. These programs, ranging from healthcare and clean water access to dignified housing and emergency assistance, are designed to enhance the quality of life for community members while safeguarding the long-term conservation of the Matavén forest.

REDD+ Matavén

Health &
Healthcare

Water, Sanitation &
Hygiene

Housing &
Moriche Palm Protection

Special Population

Environmental Indigenous
Thinking Centers

Emergency Assistance

Health &
Healthcare Program

Through this Special Program we improve the overall health and well-being of the Matavén communities by ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare services and strengthening both modern and traditional medical practices. Our focus is on providing essential medical infrastructure, services, and support to promote sustainable health solutions that benefit the Indigenous population. Its successful implementation has led to significant results and benefits, including:

Establishment of IPS Matavén: We founded the first health-providing institution in the Resguardo, offering essential health services.
Construction of Health Posts: We have built health posts within the Resguardo, expanding access in remote areas where traveling to cities for healthcare is challenging.
Medical Brigades: We organize medical brigades focused on vaccination, dentistry, and visual health. Understanding the difficulties of transportation within the Resguardo, we ensure that these services are available directly to the communities.
Dental Prostheses & First Aid Kits: We deliver essential dental prostheses, first aid kits, and provide medical training for local health professionals to enhance local healthcare capacity.
Logistical Support: We offer comprehensive support for transportation, accommodation, food, treatments, tests, consultations, surgeries, lab work, and the purchase of medical supplies and medications for Indigenous patients, ensuring they receive the care they need.
Strengthening Traditional Medicine: We provide monthly support and supplies to traditional healers, purchase medicinal plant seeds, and invest in preserving and strengthening Indigenous medical practices.
Microscopists and Health Managers: We cover the costs for microscopists and comprehensive health managers, ensuring that critical health services are consistently available to the community.
COVID-19 Crisis Management: We actively supported the community during the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring continued care and health support through the pandemic.

Water, Sanitation &
Hygiene

Through this Special Program we address the urgent need for sustainable water solutions that promote long-term well-being in the Matavén communities by improving community health through consistent access to safe drinking water. Its successful implementation has led to significant results and benefits, including:

Deep Well Construction and Maintenance: We have built and continue to maintain over 40 deep wells, ensuring reliable access to potable water for Indigenous communities.
Water Purification Components: We deliver essential water purification components to ensure clean and safe water distribution, including: Polyethylene tanks, PVC pressure pipes, PVC tees, Pipe valves.

Housing &
Moriche Palm Protection

Through this Special Program we enhance the quality of life for Matavén communities by providing sustainable housing solutions and expanding access to energy. This program ensures that families live in dignified homes while reducing the reliance on the moriche palm, traditionally used for construction, to protect this vital natural resource. Its successful implementation has led to significant results and benefits, including:

Remodeling of Family Homes: We support the remodeling of family homes by delivering essential materials and tools, including zinc sheets, cement, sanitary fixtures, hammers, and nails, ensuring the improvement of housing quality.
Energy and Lighting Access: We provide tools to give families access to energy and lighting, improving living conditions, especially in remote areas where infrastructure is limited.

Special Population

Through this Special Program we support vulnerable populations within the Matavén communities. WhileIndigenous communities are already considered vulnerable, some groups within these communities—such asindividuals with disabilities, the elderly, single mothers, and widowed mothers—experience even higher levelsof vulnerability. This program aims to improve their quality of life through targeted financial, nutritional, andhousing assistance. Its successful implementation hasled to significant results and benefits, including:

Characterization of Vulnerable Populations: We identified and characterized the Matavén populations with disabilities and the elderly, ensuring we provide tailored support that addresses their specific needs.
Housing Support: We construct and/or remodel homes for Indigenous single mothers, widowed mothers, and the elderly, offering them safe, secure, and dignified living conditions.
Financial and Nutritional Assistance: We provide ongoing financial support and distribute food kitsto meet the needs of vulnerable groups.
Distribution of Essential Items: We distribute sleeping kits with hammocks, mosquito nets, blankets, and personal hygiene kits for the elderly, ensuring they have proper sleeping arrangements.
Support for Families and Children:
➞ We distribute toys for children, supporting their emotional well-being and fostering a sense of joy and community.
➞ We assist with the purchase of groceries, cleaning supplies, seeds, and basic items for the elderly, single mothers, and families in need, ensuring their essential needs are met.
Infrastructure support and food supplies to enhance their efforts in natural resources protection and community welfare.
Economic and Pension Assistance:
➞ We provide monthly financial support for individuals with disabilities, helping them maintain a stable source of income.
➞ We assist elderly community members with pension applications, ensuring they receive the benefits and support they are entitled to.

Environmental Indigenous
Thinking Centers

Through this Special Program we create essential spaces for Indigenous cultural survival and unity, where communities engage in meaningful dialogue, strengthening governance and decision-making. Its successful implementation has led to significant results and benefits, including:

Design, Construction, and Remodeling of ACATISEMA’s Offices: We have led the comprehensive design, construction, remodeling, and/or repair of the four ACATISEMA administrative offices, located in Cumaribo, Inírida, Villavicencio, and Urba Morichal.
Operational Expenses: We cover the operational expenses for the maintenance and upkeep of ACATISEMA administrative offices, ensuring they continue to function as important hubs for the community.

Cultural Tools and Resources: We provide sound equipment, musical instruments, and traditional attire for the community houses, helping to preserve and celebrate Indigenous culture.
Financial Support for Personnel: We offer financial support to the personnel of the Indigenous thinking centers, ensuring they have the necessary resources to carry out their duties and maintain these vital cultural spaces.

Emergency Assistance

Through this Special Program we provide critical assistance to Indigenous communities in Matavén during emergencies, ensuring timely support and resources in moments of crisis. Its successful implementation has led to significant results and benefits, including:

Natural Disaster Assistance: We provide emergency aid during natural disasters, such as floods caused by river overflows, ensuring communities have the resources needed for recovery and protection.
Funeral Assistance: We provide aid for funeral procedures, fluvial transportation for deceased individuals, and coverage for other funeral expenses, supporting families through difficult times.