RF-US in the Field: Helping build strong local organizations

Local people need to be involved in designing the solutions for the social and environmental problems facing a region. The involvement of indigenous peoples is especially important, as they have unique and important knowledge about their communities, and as they have already contributed perhaps more than any other group to the defense of rainforest lands and resources around the world. Unfortunately, indigenous peoples have historically been left out of national and international decision-making processes. Ensuring that indigenous peoples have a fair say in decisions about their lands, livelihoods, and environment is critical to protecting forests and communities. In order for their voices to be heard, strong and efficient local organizations, including community groups, representative indigenous organizations and NGOs, are needed. For this reason, institutional strengthening is one of the Rainforest Foundation’s key focus areas.

RF-US supports indigenous organizations in the Amazon and Central America by seeking funding to advance their priorities and providing hands-on mentoring and capacity building workshops. Program Director Christine Halvorson is currently in Panama, leading grant writing, planning and reporting workshops for the Wounaan Congress.
The Wounaan people are fighting for recognition of their land rights , and in recent years they have made several significant advances on that front. They are also seeking to consolidate and improve the efficiency of their organization so that they can take on the challenge of managing their lands and forests once their official land titles are granted. RF-US will be working in partnership with the Wounaan Congress on a series of workshops throughout the coming year to support them in achieving their goals. Stay tuned for more information, and for potential volunteer opportunities!