During two intense days, 10 young people from the Infierno Native Community (8 women and 2 men) immersed themselves in a journey of learning and commitment towards the promotion of sustainable ecotourism practices in their community. This effort is part of the project “Transfer of knowledge and technology for the reactivation of ecotourism activities of the Infierno Native Community”, promoted by Wired Amazon and the Amazon Business Alliance, led by USAID, the Government of Canada and Conservation International Peru, which seeks to strengthen local ecotourism activities to reduce deforestation in the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve.
The meeting was held at Posada Amazonas, in collaboration with Rainforest Expeditions, and was an opportunity to present the progress, agreements and projects underway in the community, learn first-hand about the achievements to date and make ecotourism visible as a development opportunity for them. During this time, the young people participated in management activities, citizen science for the identification and monitoring of species, and reflected on the commitments to sustainability in ecotourism services for the care of the forests and their biodiversity.
The event counted with the valuable contribution of volunteer representative Jennifer Condorena Gonzales of the Green Generation collective, who led a session on the impact of youth as agents of change for socio-environmental care. Also, the participation of Kelly Olivo Rengifo, president of the Organization of Young Indigenous Students of Madre de Dios (OJEIMAD), who shared experiences on the importance of identity, culture and community in the lives of young people, as well as in the creation of a life plan.
“I am happy for the invitation and grateful for this way of involving the youth. This exchange is a platform for young people to make themselves known as people and as Ese Eja of the native community, demonstrating that they are part of it and that they can come out and flourish through their culture.”
In addition, there was a space for demonstration and exchange of experiences with two artisans, Flor Marichi Huanuire and Francisca Posho Viaeja from the “Shijo” Association of Artisans of the Infierno Native Community, who highlighted the importance of revaluing Ese Eja crafts and culture.
The meeting also included activities to reconnect with nature, such as a visit to the Posada Amazonas tower to witness the sunrise, and the appreciation of diversity, as well as the need to promote activities of inclusion, equity and equality in young people to achieve spaces free of violence. This event represents a significant step towards the empowerment of the youth of the Infierno Native Community, who, with their active participation, demonstrate their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development of their community and their environment.
There was also a care space for the children of the young participants so that they could count on this support, promoting inclusive and safe spaces among the participants. This was provided by a young woman from the Infierno Native Community who has been accompanying the project’s activities.
