Direct Support. Deep Solidarity. Real Impact.
Since 2006, Amazon Watch has mobilized direct support for Indigenous peoples and local organizations across the Amazon. Our Amazon Defenders Fund (ADF) is an activist-led solidarity fund that channels fast, flexible, and responsive funding to frontline communities defending their territories, cultures, and collective rights.
Rooted in decades of trusted partnership and guided by the principles of relationality, reciprocity, and interconnectedness, the ADF is shaped by the wisdom and cosmology of Indigenous peoples. It reflects our belief that lasting change begins with those most directly impacted – and most equipped to lead solutions.
Why the ADF matters
The Amazon is under siege. Indigenous leaders are confronting deforestation, extractive industries, organized crime, and state violence – all while advancing bold visions of autonomy and self-determination.
The ADF is often the first line of support for both established and emerging Indigenous leaders, especially those facing criminalization, displacement, or environmental catastrophe. It is also a key tool for funders seeking to decolonize their philanthropy while supporting communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
The ADF Solidarity Framework
Relationships
Long-term, trust-based relationships with hundreds of Indigenous peoples, organizations, and local communities
Reciprocity
Prioritizing mutual support and relationships rather than a transactional exchange
Reparations
Mobilizing solidarity funds to repair the historical debts of genocide and ecocide against Indigenous peoples
Long-term accompaniment
Social change is complex – the ADF mobilizes solidarity funds for mid- and long-term change processes
Presence
Country teams understand the complexities of local contexts and communicate directly with partners in Spanish and Portuguese
Speed
Rapid response funds are mobilized within one to two days from the request, and within an hour in an emergency
Flexibility
Limited administrative burden on recipients with simple reporting requirements
Efficiency
100% of funds go to partners. Amazon Watch covers all program management costs, wire fees, and overhead
How it works
Whether responding to immediate threats or accompanying longer-term processes of self-determination, the ADF ensures resources get where they’re needed – quickly, directly, and with integrity. This includes:
- Rapid-response grants during emergencies like wildfires, floods, pandemics, and violent attacks
- Ongoing support for organizing, mobilizing, and strategizing; women-led initiatives; alliance building; legal defense and advocacy; territorial protection; well-being and healing; and cultural and spiritual revitalization
- Flexible, trust-based funding that strengthens movements rather than burdens them with bureaucracy
Recent highlights
- Security checkpoint infrastructure in Kakataibo territory, Peru: The ADF provided solidarity funding for the Kakataibo Indigenous People’s Guard to build its first territorial control post in the community of Unipacuyacu. Located in a strategic area where the community has repeatedly encountered illegal activities related to drug trafficking and mining, the structure will be used as a checkpoint and serve as a tool for exercising territorial control.
- Munduruku celebration for territorial rights in Brazil: The ADF is accompanying the Munduruku people to secure official recognition of their territory through mobilizations and advocacy. In late 2024, Sawré Muybu territory reached the final stage of demarcation. To mark this milestone, the ADF supported a large celebration that united families from across their lands – an event symbolizing strength and hope for Indigenous territorial rights.
Join us!
If you are a donor, ally, or foundation interested in learning more or partnering with us to support frontline Indigenous leadership, please contact Angela Martínez at [email protected].
