About the project
Organization
The initiative aims to reduce the negative impacts of climate change on biodiversity and life on Earth by integrating Indigenous knowledge, including Colombian communities of the Eperara Siapiadaara, Inga, Siona, and Cofán peoples. "Wuasikamas" means "Guardians of the Territory" in the Inga language, while "Ëconeêrã" signifies healing through the wisdom of biodiversity. The project focuses on three key areas: restoring water systems, safeguarding biodiversity for food security, and strengthening territorial governance for planetary peace with nature.
Impact
The initiative has contributed to peace and economic growth in Aponte, Nariño, eliminating violence since 2012 and empowering 4,650 Indigenous and peasant residents. Wuasikamas also supported land restoration after a geological disaster and facilitated the global commercialization of Inga coffee. By 2038, Ëconeêrã aims to unify 5 million hectares under biocultural peace, strengthening Indigenous resilience globally.
Community Engagement
Following a participatory approach rooted in Indigenous traditions and non-violence, Wuasikamas engages communities—including marginalized groups—through co-creation, dialogue, and consensus-building. Since 2003, its territorial restoration work has involved all generations. Inspired by Wuasikamas, the Inga people initiated the creation of their own university, engaging nearly 20,000 Inga individuals in shaping education policy through word circles and biocultural mapping. The Indigenous Congress of Southwest Colombia held in Aponte in 2016 propelled Wuasikamas towards greater international recognition, facilitating that since 2024, with the Ëconeêrã educational initiative, this solution will expand to 13 countries in the Americas, Africa and Europe.
Policy Influence
The initiative has achieved significant milestones, including securing 25,883 hectares of titled Indigenous land, establishing a natural park, and leading international dialogues on Indigenous knowledge. Since 2024, the Pluriversidad Ëconeêrã has participated in global discussions on biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge, reinforcing Indigenous leadership in climate action.
Project Representative
Hernando Chindoy Chindoy is an Inga indigenous person from Colombia, a social innovator and the creator of the Wuasikamas and Ëconeêrã initiatives to promote the Traditional Knowledge systems of indigenous peoples. His legacy lies in the constant advocacy of a deeper and more open approach to the relationship between biodiversity intelligence, indigenous autonomy and law. Chindoy is a Laureate of the Marianne Initiative for Human Rights Defenders, Paris, France (2025) and an Honorary Doctor in the field of Climate Studies and Traditional Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples, University of the Arts London, UK (2023).