More About U'wa

Colombian Civil Society Launch National Strike, Face Violent State Repression: Amazon Watch Statement

Amazon Watch expresses our solidarity with Colombian civil society and popular movements facing violent repression by state security forces, riot police (ESMAD), and the national army, since the national strike began on May 28. We are deeply concerned by reports of over 1,000 cases of violence, over 700 arbitrary arrests, at least 37 deaths, dozens of disappearances, and sexual assaults in the last week. While the tax reform which sparked the protests was revoked, Colombians continue to protest at great risk to their lives from violent state repression, "non-governmental" armed actors, and the 3rd wave of COVID-19.

The U'wa Community's Nonviolent Resistance to COVID-19 and Attacks in Colombia

The U'wa Indigenous Guard, active in the cloud forest of Colombia near the border with Venezuela, were formed to nonviolently defend U'wa territory from a multitude of external threats from extractive companies and unwanted "eco-tourists". In the era of COVID-19 – known to U'wa spiritual elders as "The Demon" – the Guard's mission has expanded to include the protection of their territory from the spread of the deadly pandemic.

Amazon in Focus 2018

While the threats to the Amazon and Indigenous peoples seem daunting at times, we cannot lose sight of hope and victories on the horizon. And while the day-to-day isn't always good, there are still many reasons to be hopeful for the future of the Amazon. Indigenous peoples across the Amazon are resisting extraction and further destruction of their lands and promoting visionary solutions to protect their rights and territories.

Two Decades of Fellowship with the U'wa People of Colombia

"The power of our struggle and resistance in defense of our worldview ... has guaranteed that we have not faltered."

My First Decade at Amazon Watch

Over ten years, I have been privileged to play a role in most of the organization's major campaign initiatives. While the moments of exhilaration, frustration, learning, anger, and beauty could fill a book, I want to share ten snapshots of key experiences that represent what serving with Amazon Watch has meant to me.

Amplify! A Celebration of Voices from the Amazon

Thank you to all our friends and supporters who joined us on September 27th, 2017 for our annual gala - Amplify! A celebration of voices from the Amazon.

Reclaiming Ancestral Territory: The U'wa Return After Years of Displacement

In July, ten U'wa families packed up their belongings and returned to the hamlet known as Río Negro in the municipality of La Salina. Amazon Watch is proudly supporting the return with funds for everyday necessities like soup pots, mosquito nets, and farming tools.

New Highway Brings Deforestation Near Two Colombian National Parks

Critics say a proposed internationally-financed road to connect Venezuela and Ecuador through Colombia could bring deforestation and industrial development to regions important for Indigenous cultural heritage, ecology, and biodiversity

In the depths of the Ecuadorian Amazon, on its border with Peru, Indigenous communities have been denouncing what they say is an uncontrolled onslaught of illegal logging and hunting.

Berito's Vision

How the Goldman Prize Bolstered the U'wa Struggle for Territorial Rights

If UNESCO designated people as World Heritage sites, Berito Kuwaru'wa would be a leading candidate. On one hand, he personifies the beautiful and poetic U'wa view of the world, deeply connected to the original laws of nature. On the other, he is a unique and visionary human being, with an innate charisma through which he has bridged cultures and inspired global support for the U'wa struggle.

Colombia's U'wa Still Teaching Us How To Resist

The U'wa consider themselves the guardians of their sacred ancestral homeland. In accordance with their natural laws, for centuries they have successfully defended their territory high in the Andean cloud forests.