Indigenous Guardians Use Drones to Protect Amazon Rainforest
Members of the A’i Cofán, an Indigenous community in northern Ecuador, are taking innovative measures to defend their ancestral land in the Amazon rainforest. Deploying modern technology alongside their traditional knowledge, these Indigenous guardians are using drones, trap cameras, and GPS devices to safeguard the rainforest from illegal loggers, miners, and hunters.
The A’i Cofán community believes that the land they inhabit belongs to them and their elders, and it is their responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations. By incorporating high-tech surveillance tools in their efforts, they are not only preventing deforestation and illegal activities but also safeguarding their traditional way of life.
These initiatives by Indigenous communities are essential in achieving the global goal of protecting a third of the world’s land and waters by 2030, as agreed upon at a United Nations-sponsored biodiversity summit. Diplomats at the conference acknowledged the effectiveness of Indigenous people as custodians of their lands, given their deep understanding and harmonious coexistence with these ecosystems for generations.
The A’i Cofán, along with three other Indigenous groups in the region, formed the Ceibo Alliance and established their own guard force in 2017. With approximately 30 members, this group patrols the rainforest, documenting cases of illegal destruction and reporting them to the Ecuadorian authorities. Since the implementation of surveillance tools like drones and camera traps, the invasion of illegal miners has significantly reduced due to the constant presence of the Indigenous guards.
Organizations such as Amazon Frontlines have been supporting these Indigenous guardians by providing training and equipment. High-resolution satellite imagery, GPS technology, and drones have enabled them to track culprits and gather evidence, leading to legal complaints and court rulings that strengthen Indigenous rights. In January 2022, the Constitutional Court of Ecuador ruled that mining concessions granted by the government violated the prior consent rights of the A’i Cofán.
While there is growing resolve to protect the Amazon rainforest, the reality on the ground remains challenging for Indigenous guards. They face constant threats from armed illegal actors, and complaints to state authorities often entail lengthy processes. Additionally, there are no programs or funds available to restore the already damaged environment. The fate of Indigenous lands can change with every election, necessitating continuous efforts to defend their territories.
Despite the obstacles, the determination of Indigenous communities like the A’i Cofán remains unwavering. Their commitment to safeguarding their land is motivated by a desire to preserve their culture and ensure a sustainable future. By adopting innovative measures and incorporating technology, they have demonstrated the potential for indigenous knowledge and modern tools to coexist in protecting the world’s largest rainforest.
