#Brazil #Age of Union #Juma Institute #Amazon Rainforest #Altamira, Pará

Age of Union's Commitment to the Amazon Rainforest

Age of Union, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation, has made a significant pledge of USD $287,000 to support The Juma Institute over the next two years. This initiative is part of their ongoing commitment to address critical environmental issues while empowering Indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon.

Founded by Emmy-winning producer and activist Dax Dasilva, Age of Union is focused on protecting the globe's threatened ecosystems and species. The partnership with The Juma Institute, created by Indigenous leader Juma Xipaia in 2020, aims to safeguard the rights, heritage, and territories of Indigenous peoples while preserving the Amazon rainforest, also known as the "lungs of the earth."

The Goals of the Partnership

The funding will primarily be utilized to construct a new headquarters and Knowledge Centre for The Juma Institute, located in Kaarimã village on Xipaya Indigenous Land in Brazil. The centre will facilitate educational programs, promote traditional knowledge, and preserve the Indigenous culture that is vital for the longevity of the Amazon. It will also include the Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots program, which focuses on educating youth about environmental conservation and cultural appreciation.

As the Amazon region faces unprecedented threats from deforestation, illegal mining, and infrastructure projects, this partnership is timely and necessary. Over the past 30 years, Brazil has lost over 65 million hectares of native vegetation, with Indigenous lands being heavily impacted. The Juma Institute’s efforts are crucial in turning the tide against these alarming trends.

Dax Dasilva expressed the organization's commitment, stating, "This partnership allows us to deepen our commitment to protecting critical ecosystems while collaborating closely with Indigenous communities leading the project."

Key Initiatives Supported by the Funding

1. Juma Institute Headquarters: The establishment of a new facility that honors traditional architecture and serves as a hub for community gatherings, teachings of traditional medicine, and educational activities.

2. Community Engagement: The project will involve local communities in planning and executing activities aimed at preserving cultural heritage and protecting the environment. This will include partnerships with regional non-profits and educational institutions.

3. Empowerment of Change Agents: Programs focused on training young Indigenous leaders and women to become advocates for environmental sustainability and the protection of their rights.

4. Ranger Program: Strengthening the management of Indigenous territories to enhance conservation efforts and reduce illegal activities, thereby ensuring the security of the community's land.

Maria Lúcia Xipaia, President of The Juma Institute, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, saying, "With this support from Age of Union, we will be able to solidify our infrastructure and enhance our ability to defend our territory."

This partnership also marks a significant milestone for Age of Union as it continues to establish itself as a leader in the movement for global conservation. The collaboration builds upon Dasilva's previous experiences in the Amazon, including a journey with Jane Goodall. The goal is to use this newfound support to ensure the sustainability of Indigenous knowledge for future generations.

Conclusion

Through this partnership, Age of Union and The Juma Institute aim not only to protect the Amazon rainforest but also to ensure that the rights and heritage of its Indigenous peoples are preserved. By facilitating educational opportunities and empowering Indigenous communities, they hope to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards committed to safeguarding their ancestral land. For further details, visit Age of Union's official website and learn more about The Juma Institute at institutojuma.org.