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At the core of the REDD+ Matavén Project is ACATISEMA (Asociación de Cabildos y Autoridades Tradicionales Indígenas de la Selva de Matavén), created by the indigenous communities of the Resguardo Selva Matavén and recognized by the Colombian government since 2002. ACATISEMA leads efforts to safeguard the region’s natural resources, promote self-governance, and enhance community well-being. However, to fully achieve their mission, ACATISEMA initially lacked the financial resources, technical capacity, and infrastructure required.
Recognizing these gaps, in 2012, ACATISEMA sought the support of Mediamos F&M, a strategic ally with extensive technical expertise. Together, they co-developed the REDD+Matavén initiative, forming a collaborative alliance that enabled the design and launch of the project. This initiative promotes the sustainable protection of Matavén’s forests, biodiversity, and waters, while delivering social and economic benefits to local communities.
ACATISEMA’s strength lies in its deeply rooted governance structure, where the indigenous communities themselves take the lead. The organization is structured to ensure broad participation and representation, allowing communities to have a direct voice in decision-making.
The Indigenous communities are the foundation of ACATISEMA, represented by their respective Captains. Each community elects its Captain, who serves as their voice in higher decision-making bodies, taking part in decisions that affect their community and the entire Resguardo. These Captains also play a crucial role in electing the Sector Cabildos and selecting candidates for the Coordinating Committee.
Since the inception of REDD+ Matavén, Mediamos F&M has been a key ally, providing the initial funding and crucial technical expertise needed to co-develop strategies for forest conservation and sustainable development. Mediamos brings cutting-edge technical knowledge, while ACATISEMA contributes deep ancestral understanding of the land. The indigenous communities, having lived there for generations, possess invaluable knowledge of the ecosystem—knowledge that cannot be replicated by any one else.
Although the project is now financially sustained through carbon credit sales, Mediamos remains fully committed to its long-term success. They continue to work hand-in-hand with ACATISEMA, providing technical expertise and guidance at every phase. A key objective is to progressively transfer technical skills and project leadership to ACATISEMA, empowering the indigenous communities to take full control. This gradual transition is crucial for long-term sustainability, but requires time given the unique circumstances of the communities.
ACATISEMA and Mediamos are co-developers of the REDD+ Matavén Project, working together to protect the region’s forests and foster sustainable development. Their combined knowledge—both ancestral and technical— forms the foundation of the project’s success and sustainability.
The success of the REDD+ Matavén project showcases the strength of community-driven conservation. Through ACATISEMA, they have built a model of governance and environmental stewardship that protects their land and ensures their well-being. While the communities lead the way, Mediamos F&M provides critical technical support and expertise.
Together, Mediamos and ACATISEMA blend these two vital forms of expertise. Their on going collaboration ensures that the project promotes environmental protection while delivering social benefits to the Matavén communities and contributes to global climate action.
REDD+ Matavén is more than a Project; it’s a collective effort built on trust, respect, and the shared goal of preserving one of Colombia’s most important regions for biodiversity and cultural heritage