Breakthrough for indigenous governance in the Colombian Amazon

Norway is stepping up support for indigenous governments in the Colombian Amazon by committing $7 million (78 million NOK) to help secure and manage areas that indigenous peoples have lived in for generations. The new partnership will help empower indigenous governments to take control of their territories,

For over 30 years, indigenous peoples have been waiting to have full governance over their territories. Now, their autonomy and self-determination are closer to becoming a reality than ever before. That is why Norway is stepping up support for indigenous peoples in the Colombian Amazon.

This groundbreaking project is helping indigenous communities secure the rights to manage their territories. They will gain authority similar to a municipality, strengthening their political, administrative, and financial rights, and be able to receive funding directly from the state.

The initiative will support 10 indigenous territories to implement their formal governance rights and sustainable land management in line with their ancestral knowledge and self-governance systems.  These indigenous territories are local government systems within Colombia, with their own rules, leadership, and vision for the future.

Fifty-one percent of the funds will be administered directly by 10 indigenous governments. The funds will be used to strengthen the indigenous government and administration systems, and their formalization and operation as Indigenous Territorial Entities. Gaia Amazonas Foundation will provide political and technical support to the implementation.

Safeguarding one of the most well-preserved rainforests in the region

This commitment is part of Norway’s larger $20 million pledge announced at COP16, to help Colombia fight deforestation while promoting sustainable livelihoods and indigenous rights.

The target area of the project is 8.3 million hectares – an area roughly the size of Austria – of  conserved rainforest in the Colombian Amazon, along the border areas with Brazil and Peru. This is one of the most well-preserved regions of the Amazon rainforest.

Indigenous communities lead the way

One of the project’s key components is supporting the “Jaguars of Yurupari Macroterritory,” a pioneering group of indigenous governments working to establish Colombia’s first “Indigenous Province.” The goal is to equip the indigenous authorities with the tools and recognition needed to fully govern and protect their territories.

A special focus will also be placed on strengthening women’s leadership in territorial governance. The project aims to ensure that indigenous women play an active role in decision-making, integrating their priorities into land policies, financial planning, and environmental regulations according to their cultural roots and in the exercise of their autonomy and self-determination.

Setting a global example

Norway has been a strong advocate for the formal recognition of indigenous territories in Colombia, supporting a process that aligns with the country’s political constitution. This new initiative seeks to position Indigenous Territorial Entities as a global example of successful self-governance, showing how indigenous-led conservation efforts can protect vital ecosystems while strengthening local communities.

“Since the beginning of time, we, the indigenous peoples of the Colombian Amazon have been committed to maintaining the balance of the territory, to keep it alive and healthy, so that the people can live in coexistence and have peace. This is one of our great challenges”.

Thanks to the support of Gaia Amazonas Foundation and Norway, we can consolidate our government and administration systems, and continue to guarantee the well-being of the people and the protection of the forest”.   

Antonio Matapi, Indigenous representative of the Macroterritory of the Jaguars of Yurupari

By empowering indigenous peoples to take control of their lands, this project not only safeguards the Amazon but also sets a precedent for indigenous governance worldwide.