Last month the Association of Cabildos and Traditional Indigenous Authorities of the Mataven Forest (ACATISEMA for its acronym in Spanish) conducted 6 workshops in the Indigenous Reservation of the Mataven Forest, as part of the “regulatory reform project”.
ACATISEMA – one of the Matavén REDD+ developers – is an indigenous organization, legally recognized by the Colombian State, which brings together the leaders of the Indigenous Reservation of the Mataven Forest to ensure their cultural survival and protect their natural resources. ACATISEMA was born 20 years ago, so this “regulatory reform project” is vital for the Association to adapt and respond to current needs.
Juan Rodríguez Fuentes, ACATISEMA prosecutor and coordinator of the “regulatory reform project”.
Why is this Project needed?
This legal reform is a mandate of ACATISEMA General Assembly. The statutes were created 20 years ago, and the organization has been growing and evolving; statutes need to be updated. Plus, they are not enough for the Organization to be functional, internal regulation is also required.
Who is participating in the “regulatory reform project”?
The work commission of the Project:
- Former ACATISEMA coordinators.
- Representatives of each Matavén ethnic group: Sikuani, Piapoco, Puinave, Piaroa, Cubeo and Curripaco.
- A technical team.
One of Mataven REDD+ specific objectives is to strengthen ACATISEMA governance in order to guarantee the survival of Matavén indigenous peoples and their natural resources.