Environmental Respond of the Shuar Tribe to Climate Change and Degradation in Ecuador

The Shuar community, known as the "people of the waterfall," have a deep connection to the Amazon rainforest that spans across both Ecuador and Peru. Their way of life, encapsulated in the Chagra, teaches balance, patience, and reciprocity.

This ancient agroforestry system, used by Amazonian indigenous peoples like the Shuar, is based on a diversified and sustainable cultivation. The Chagra reflects the Shuar's respect for nature, as they only take what they need, knowing that what the forest gives must be returned with care.

In San Luis Ininkis, the Siembra Vida - Iwiakma Araatá nursery, established six years ago by Clareth Ankuash, serves as a testament to this harmony. The nursery, covering about half a hectare, houses over 100 plants in various growth stages, including guayusa, aguarico, cedar, chonta, dragon's blood, and copal, each with unique uses and benefits. These plants are intended for reforestation and restoration of degraded areas, and some are delivered to families for integration into their chacras or gardens.

The nursery is more than just a place for plant growth; it's a means to preserve the Shuar culture and the forest's secrets. Shuar ancestors have developed a deep knowledge of the Amazon's secrets, including medicinal properties of plants and animal cycles. Each plant in the Chagra has its own spirit and wisdom.

In recent years, the Shuar community has integrated modern technologies into their traditional practices to combat climate change and protect their territory. Antonio Jimbicti, a teacher in the Shuar community of San Luis Ininkis, uses cell phones, tablets, and drones to record climate data, monitor environmental threats, and share information about the conservation of their lands.

Kasia Molga, an organisation founder, has been offering training to Shuar communities in the use of mapping and monitoring technologies such as drones and GPS since 2021. In January 2021, EcoCiencia organised a workshop in Morona Santiago on territorial monitoring and protection for the Shuar community.

Social media has become an essential tool for Shuar communities to share knowledge, denounce illegal activities, and connect with associated organisations. Santiago Yankura, the leader of the Shuar community in San Luis Ininkis, emphasises that the climate crisis is experienced daily, but with their hands and knowledge, they are planting a better future.

The Shuar culture is rich in traditions and cosmology, based on a deep connection with nature. They consider the forest their home and their source of life. The community's ancestral practices, such as the chacra, are crucial for managing the forest respectfully, protecting water sources, and capturing carbon.

The Shuar's approach to conservation is a powerful example of combining ancestral knowledge with modern tools to address environmental challenges effectively. San Luis Ininkis serves as an example of how indigenous communities can lead the way in sustainable development and cultural preservation.

Environmental Respond of the Shuar Tribe to Climate Change and Degradation in Ecuador