At a glance
Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance (ASHA)
Founded in 2017, Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance (ASHA) is one of the world's largest Indigenous-led conservation initiatives – involving over 30 Indigenous nationalities and peoples across Ecuador and Peru.
ASHA is united in its aim of permanently protecting over 35M acres of the Amazon Sacred Headwaters – an area with a stunning array of ecological and cultural diversity.
Within this, the alliance envisions the consolidation of Indigenous territories centred on collective and territorial rights, recognising the deep interconnection between Indigenous Peoples and their lands.
Ecuadorian rainforest and river. Image: iStock
Their work is based on a Bioregional Plan which includes defending collective rights for Indigenous Peoples, amplifying Indigenous voices, and promoting sustainable development and cultural preservation.
To achieve these aims, ASHA focuses on:
- Implementing territorial actions
- Defending rights
- Building strategic alliances
- Promoting financial autonomy
Over the years, ASHA has pioneered a number of remarkable projects, such as reforesting edible forests – which has seen nearly 150,000 plants (from more than 95 different species) planted in the Ecuadorian Amazon, benefiting 47 Indigenous communities.
Additionally, their Living School of the Amazon education program strengthens the knowledge and skills of Amazonian youth by merging ancestral wisdom with contemporary knowledge.
Mongabay recently shared a film showcasing ASHA's work to defend the rainforest from the threat of extractive practices – you can watch the full video here.