WUASIKAMAS SWITZERLAND – GUARDIANS OF THE EARTH: UNITED FOR LIFE
WUASIKAMAS means "Guardians of the Earth" in the language of the Inga people, an Indigenous community from the south of Colombia, located in the Andean–Amazonian region—one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet.
Wuasikamas Switzerland is a sister organization of the Wuasikamas International Foundation, based in Mocoa, Putumayo (Colombia). Together we form a bond of solidarity and global collaboration, uniting knowledge and efforts in favor of the protection of life in all its forms.
OUR WORK IS GUIDED BY A DEEP CONVICTION: PROTECTING NATURE IS A RESPONSIBILITY WE ALL SHARE.
We stand alongside the Indigenous communities of Colombia’s Andean-Amazonian region, who are fighting to preserve their territories, their culture, and biodiversity — the very diversity that sustains the balance of our planet. Both the Amazon rainforests and the Andean ecosystems — on which they largely depend — are under severe threat. Their destruction worsens the climate crisis and endangers the ecological balance worldwide.
OUR MISSION: We support projects that provide these communities with the resources they need to preserve their habitat and nature. At the same time, we promote the exchange of knowledge here in Europe in order to live a deeper, more respectful connection to Mother Earth – based on the traditional knowledge of these communities, which they have preserved for generations. Because protecting nature means preserving our livelihood.
A STORY OF SUSTAINABLE CHANGE
At the end of the 20th century, the territory of the Inga de Aponte indigenous community was devastated by drug trafficking and war. More than 150 people were killed and over 10,000 hectares of rainforest were cleared. The community was on the brink of extinction. However, the people of Aponte decided to take their fate into their own hands. A peaceful revolution based on ancient wisdom emerged, and it continues to ensure peace to this day.
Discover how the Wuasikamas — guardians of the earth — transformed pain into hope, becoming a global example of dignity, justice and harmony with nature by embracing the concept of biocultural peace.
PROJECTS
Wuasikamas is a nonprofit organization based in the Inga community of Aponte. Through its projects focusing on territory, economy, governance, justice, and spirituality, Wuasikamas contributes significantly to sustainable change throughout the region.
Inspired by this, and recognizing that many challenges remain and resources are lacking, Wuasikamas Switzerland was founded.
Based in Switzerland, we support our own projects and local community initiatives by facilitating knowledge exchange, forming partnerships and fundraising. We always follow the principle of self-sufficiency. We empower communities to strengthen their capabilities so they can independently continue their work to preserve nature, safeguard their culture, and promote biocultural peace.
IMPACT WUASIKAMAS