At the heart of the REDD+ Matavén Project lies the Association of Traditional Indigenous Councils and Authorities of the Selva de Matavén (ACATISEMA), the organization that represents the Indigenous communities of the Indigenous Reserve of the Selva de Matavén and leads the processes of self-governance, territorial management, and decision-making within the Project. As a proponent and developer of REDD+ Matavén, ACATISEMA plays a central role in advancing Indigenous-led climate action in Colombia.
ACATISEMA elected its new Board of Directors and Coordinating Committee for the 2026–2028 term during the 17th Ordinary General Assembly, held on September 20–22, 2025, in the community of Progreso Integral, sector Bajo Río Vichada Dos of Matavén.
The Assembly brought together traditional authorities, captains, and community councils, along with representatives from the Ombudsman’s Office of Cumaribo, the Secretariat of Indigenous Affairs, and the Ministry of the Interior, reaffirming the values of autonomy, participation, and internal democracy among the Indigenous peoples of the territory.
The new Board of Directors is composed as follows:
- General Coordinator: Oswaldo Rincón
- General Secretary: Luciano Herrera
- Treasurer: Pompilio Hernández
- Indigenous Advisor: José Pinto
- Fiscal Auditor: Marilu Mollano
This election marks a historic milestone: for the first time, a woman has joined the ACATISEMA Board of Directors, reflecting meaningful progress toward more inclusive and equitable governance within the Selva de Matavén Reserve.
The REDD+ Matavén Project: Support and Institutional Strengthening
The Project provided comprehensive support for the Assembly, including organization, logistics, meals, transportation, and materials, ensuring the participation of delegates from even the most remote sectors of the territory. This support helped consolidate a legitimate, transparent, and representative process, in line with the principles of Indigenous governance and community participation that guide the Project.
During the Assembly, Indigenous Co-Director, together with the Zonal Coordinators, presented the Project’s progress, impacts, and benefits, fostering dialogue and coordination between community members and their authorities.
The Resolution issued by Colombia’s Ministry of the Interior formally recognizes and validates the results of this democratic process, strengthening ACATISEMA’s institutional role as the legitimate authority of Matavén.
Indigenous Governance and High-Integrity Climate Action
The consolidation of strong Indigenous governance structures is essential to ensuring the effectiveness, legitimacy, and integrity of the REDD+ Matavén Project. This leadership represents the foundation of a high-integrity climate action model, where community participation, equity, and respect for autonomy safeguard the forests, biodiversity, and water, while promoting the well-being and self-determination of Indigenous peoples.
The renewal of the Board of Directors marks an important step toward the long-term sustainability of Matavén governance model, reaffirming that the most effective and credible climate action emerges from the territories and the communities that protect them.