Colombia has created a territory of over one million hectares in the department of Amazonas, with the purpose of protecting the uncontacted indigenous people Yuri-Passé.
Located between the Caquetá and Putumayo rivers, this is the first protected territory in the country specifically designed for people living in isolation, ensuring their autonomy and survival.
Cultural and Environmental Protection
The regulations establish that in this territory:
- Economic development is prohibited.
- Forced contact with the inhabitants is not allowed.
- Includes a buffer zone to minimize external impact.
The Amazon Conservation Team organization, which collaborated in the creation of the territory, emphasizes that this measure reaffirms the rights of isolated indigenous people.
Official Recognition and Years of Advocacy
The territory is the result of years of work by activists and conservation groups to achieve legal protection for isolated indigenous peoples.
The Ministry of the Interior confirmed in 2023 the presence of isolated groups in this remote area, near the border with Peru and Brazil.
For decades, nearby indigenous communities have known about their existence, but did not always trust the government to protect them.
Environmental Impact and Ecosystem Conservation
It is expected that the recognition of the territory will boost:
- Increased attention to the protection of Amazonian ecosystems.
- Government action to safeguard biodiversity.
- Strengthening of the Rio Puré National Park, which shares part of the protected area.
The project spokesperson emphasizes that the lack of park rangers in the area makes it urgent to implement coordinated measures for the preservation of the territory.
A Key Step in Indigenous Protection
With this initiative, Colombia reinforces its commitment to indigenous rights and environmental conservation, ensuring that communities in isolation can maintain their way of life without external interference.
