MISSION
Restoring Biocultural heritage in the Colombian Amazon through Indigenous-led conservation.
Reciprocity for indigenous wisdom and medicines.
SUMMARY
At OIOC, we are an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to supporting the Kamëntsá people of Colombia, custodians of Yagé (Ayahuasca) and stewards of ancestral wisdom that has guided sustainable living in the Amazon foothills for centuries. Working in the Alto Putumayo region, we focus on the Kamëntsá reservation, where lands and traditions have faced immense challenges through decades of colonization and environmental degradation. Despite these hardships, the Kamëntsá continue to embody a profound connection to nature, holding invaluable knowledge about biodiversity and regenerative practices.
Through our Green Rebirth Project, we've established a vital greenhouse nurturing 1,700 seedlings of native trees, medicinal plants, and food crops. Our botanical garden preserves over 100 endemic and endangered species, while our restored forest areas and traditional chagras (food gardens) support both biodiversity and community food sovereignty.
Our integrated approach includes:
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Native species restoration and medicinal plant conservation
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Traditional agricultural revival through Chagra gardens
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Housing reconstruction for vulnerable families
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Language preservation and cultural heritage programs
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Elder support and community wellness initiatives
Our mission embodies reciprocity with the guardians of ancient knowledge. By addressing climate change and biodiversity loss while empowering Indigenous families, we ensure the preservation of cultural legacies and a thriving Amazon. Every contribution to our projects directly supports the Kamëntsá people's efforts to safeguard their traditions and the planet's future.
Our Indigenous-led conservation efforts unite traditional wisdom with ecosystem restoration, enhancing biodiversity and strengthening community wellbeing in the Alto Putumayo region.
Since 2010, we've rebuilt homes for 24 families, preserved over 150 native plant species in our botanical garden, and nurtured 1,700 seedlings in our greenhouse. Through sustained partnerships and community support, our projects continue to protect vital medicinal plants, restore traditional food gardens, and preserve our cultural heritage. In 2024, we expanded our impact through new initiatives in language preservation and sustainable livelihoods, demonstrating the power of Indigenous-led conservation. Learn More About Our 2024 Impact →
Roots of Dignity
Building Foundations for Community Well-being
Housing for vulnerable members of our community in the Sibundoy Valley.
Creating Safe Homes for Kamëntsá Families Living in Critical Conditions
In the Sibundoy Valley, 79% of Kamëntsá families face severe poverty, with many living in homes damaged by harsh weather, lacking proper kitchens, bathrooms, and safe walls to protect against the cold. Through our Roots of Dignity program, we've rebuilt 24 homes and provided construction materials to 20 families, focusing on households where elders and children live in vulnerable situations. In 2025, we aim to support 20 more families with essential housing repairs and improvements. Your contribution directly helps provide a safe, warm home for a Kamëntsá family, preserving their dignity and strengthening our community's future.
Biocultural Green Rebirth
Kamentsa Indigenous People
5-Year Proposal to Restore Biodiversity in the Amazon foothills and Essential Food Needs in the Kamëntsá Indigenous Community
PROJECTED IMPACT
Environmental & social well-being
Biodiversity
Restauration
We already have 1700 Plants Planted Y1 Restoration of biodiversity, food and over 100 native medicinal plants of the Kamentsa Indigenous Reservation.
Projected 5000 seedlings Y2025
Water & Climate Security
Implementing the restoration of water sources. Regulating carbon and hydrological cycles, and maintains aquifers for human, animal, and plant activities.
Support
69
Indigenous Families
Directly benefitting through community workshops (cultural heritage, language, ecology), housing restauration for families in need.
Projected 20 housing restaurations Y2025
4
Income Sources
Agroforestry and greenhouse products, carbon credits, and ethnobotanical extracts—aligned with ecology and culture, all accessible to the community.
SPONSORS OF PAST PROJECTS
