Category: events

Welcoming the Sateré Mawé Guardians

Posted on by Elli

New Forest Guardian Training Underway: Welcoming the Sateré Mawé

We’re excited to share another important step forward in strengthening Indigenous-led protection of the Amazon rainforest. A new Forest Guardian training has been launched with the Sateré Mawé, an Indigenous people living in the Andira Marau Indigenous Territory (789,000 Hectares) , which lies across the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Pará.

The Sateré Mawé are known not only for their deep connection to the forest but also for their cultural contributions. They were the first to domesticate and cultivate guaraná, a plant now widely consumed around the world for its energizing properties.

The name “Sateré Mawé” reflects elements of their identity and relationship to nature—“Sateré” meaning the fiery caterpillar, and “Mawé” referring to the intelligent, inquisitive parrot. Together, the name honours both the spirit of resilience and the thoughtful observation that defines their way of life.

Expanding the Network: More Forest Guardians equals more Indigenous Territory protected.

This new training builds on the momentum of earlier Guardian formations, such as the recent water guardians group in the Munduruku territory of Takuara and Bragança / Marituba. These trainings equip Indigenous leaders, youth, and coordinators with tools like drones and zoom cameras to monitor their lands, document threats, and respond swiftly to illegal activities such as logging, fishing, and land invasions.

Like other Guardian groups, the Sateré Mawé participants  receive technical training, logistical support, and equipment to strengthen their capacity to defend their territory and preserve the biodiversity of their region.

A Growing Movement of Autonomy and Resistance

Each training marks another step in a growing grassroots movement led by Indigenous peoples themselves. With every new group formed, the network of Forest and Water Guardians grows stronger, creating more points of surveillance, collaboration, and resistance across the Amazon.

We look forward to following the progress of the Sateré-Mawé Guardians and will share more from the field soon.

Munduruku Water Guardians take Action

Posted on by Elli

After a short break, we’re thrilled to return with an exciting update from the Munduruku territory of Takuara in the Brazilian Amazon.

In March, a new chapter began for the region’s environmental protection efforts: a visual monitoring and documentation training was completed for the newly formed Munduruku Water Guardian group. This milestone initiative brought together senior Indigenous leaders, group coordinators, and youth from the community.

The training was led by Treesistance representative Vivi Borari, who focused on equipping the Guardians with vital skills in using cutting-edge tools—zoom cameras and drones—that will help document illegal activities such as predatory fishing, and identify routes used by illegal loggers and hunters entering via the river.

In Vivi’s own words:

“Territorial monitoring is an important tool for us, Indigenous peoples, to continue monitoring and responding to threats to our territory and our waters. In a scenario of increasing pressure on the Amazon, strengthening these strategies means reinforcing our autonomy and our capacity for defence, keeping alive our ways of life and our ancestral relationship with the forest and the waters.”

Guardians in Action: Dredging Confrontation Leads to Legal Response

The Guardians’ impact was immediate.

On their first excursion, they identified a vessel illegally dredging the river within their territory (dredging being a process used to deepen waterways, in this case to enable large soy transport ships to access deeper parts of the Amazon—often at the cost of Indigenous lands and vital ecosystems) —a serious environmental threat linked to large-scale soy transportation, often tied to forest destruction.

Thanks to their swift action, the community filed a formal complaint, and the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) has since requested the suspension of the dredging and official marking of the Tapajós River, which runs through the region.

Supporting the Guardians: Partnership for Long-Term Impact

Treesistance partners with Indigenous peoples in the Brazilian Amazon to protect primary rainforest using bold, tangible strategies built on four strategic pillars:

  1. Access to Justice
  2. Communications
  3. Renewable Energy
  4. Economic Development

This innovative model provides the technology, logistical support, and training needed for the Munduruku people of Bragança/ Marituba and Takuara to prevent predatory fishing, stop invasions via waterways, and protect the precious ecosystems that both they—and we—depend on.

Scaling Up: Boats, Drones, and Inter-Territorial Cooperation

90% of the project funds had been deployed. Two smaller speedboats—one for each territory—have been purchased, along with two high-quality drones. Once the boats arrive, a two-day joint workshop will be held to begin coordinated monitoring efforts. The aim is to support inter-territorial collaboration in protecting a 160km stretch along the Tapajós National Forest.

Empowering the Arapiun People

Posted on by Elli

In December 2024, our final Forest Guardian training of the year was held in the community of Tucuma, located on the banks of the Arapiun River. This training brought together the Arapiun people and was led by Chief Dadá Borari, Head of the Treesistance Forest Guardian Program, along with members of the Maró guardian group.

Their mission: to empower the local community with the tools and knowledge needed to defend their territory.

The team, accompanied by representatives from CITA (Indigenous Council of the Tapajós and Arapiuns), provided a multi-day training program focused on combating forest crimes. Participants engaged in workshops covering a range of critical topics, including:

  • Technology and Technical Training: Equipping the community with tools to monitor and report illegal activities.
  • Map Creation Workshops: Developing accurate maps to better understand and protect their territory.
  • Navigating Conflict Zones: Training on strategies to safely traverse and monitor contested areas.
  • Safe Confrontation and De-escalation Techniques: In-depth discussions on addressing conflicts in a manner that prioritizes safety and resolution.

The program’s holistic approach ensured that participants not only gained technical skills but also developed the confidence to confront challenges in their region effectively.

This initiative was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Koffels Solicitors & Barristers, an Australian law firm committed to supporting sustainable and indigenous-led conservation efforts.

As we conclude another impactful year, the Treesistance Forest Guardian Program remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the Amazon and empowering its people. Together, we continue to build a future where communities thrive and the forests they call home are protected.

2024: A Year of Impact and Growth

Posted on by Elli

As the year draws to a close, we are proud to share the progress and impact of Treesistance’s efforts in 2024. From expanding Forest Guardian programs to launching new initiatives, our work has furthered the protection of Indigenous territories and vital ecosystems across the Amazon and Cerrado.

Maró Guardians on patrol blocking the road to illegal loggers

Key Highlights from 2024

  • Forest Guardianship: Our Forest Guardian program now operates in 11 Indigenous territories across three Brazilian states, protecting 500,000 hectares of rainforest and cerrado.
  • Water Guardians: In partnership with Indigenous leaders, we co-created and secured funding for the Water Guardians Program, launching January 2025. This initiative will protect the 160km coastline of the Tapajós National Forest.
  • Renewable Energy: In collaboration with Greenchoice, we launched a €500,000 Green Energy Fund to address Indigenous communities’ energy needs, including powering monitoring equipment, water systems, and community spaces.
  • Technological Advancements: Partnerships introduced satellite monitoring systems and low-tech tools, enabling real-time detection and response to illegal activities in Indigenous territories.

Standing Up for Justice and Sustainability

Our commitment to justice saw success this year, with legal action against soy farmers in the Lower Tapajós holding them accountable for encroachment. Meanwhile, the Indigenous Communications Network we developed will connect nine territories in 2025, streamlining communication and collaboration among Forest Guardians.

Building New Guardianship Programs

In 2024, we proudly launched five new Forest Guardian groups in the Lower Tapajós, with support from sponsors including Koffels Solicitors & Barristers and other international partners. This expansion brought new training, resources, and empowerment to communities defending their lands from illegal activities.

The Treesistance team meeting with the Arapyun community. The location chosen for the on-site training and first installations.

Looking Forward to 2025

As we head into the new year, we are optimistic about the launch of the Water Guardians Program, further expansion of the Forest Guardianship, and deeper collaboration with Indigenous communities. Together, we can continue to protect the biodiversity of the Amazon and support the resilience of its people.

Our deepest gratitude goes to the communities, partners, and sponsors who make this work possible. To read the full 2024 Impact Report, click here.

Launch of the TreeGreen Fund

Posted on by Elli

Launch of the TreeGreen Fund: Empowering Indigenous Amazon Communities with Sustainable Energy Solutions

As fuel costs soar across the Amazon, Indigenous communities face an ongoing struggle to meet basic energy needs, leaving them caught in cycles of poverty and vulnerable to exploitation. Long-term nature conservation in Indigenous territories is only sustainable if these communities gain access to reliable, affordable energy solutions. Recognizing this, Treesistance and Dutch energy provider Greenchoice have launched the TreeGreen Fund — a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing energy inequality and uplifting communities in the Brazilian Amazon.

With an initial €500,000 fund, the TreeGreen Fund is committed to delivering solutions that champion Indigenous-led nature conservation and territorial defence while supporting health, education, and sustainable economic growth. Core to the fund’s mission is community ownership and empowerment, embedding Indigenous representatives directly into its institutional framework and supporting skill-building initiatives. In collaboration with the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), a training and capacity-building program will equip communities to install, use, manage, and maintain critical energy infrastructure.

Additionally, the fund will operate through a revolving development fund managed by Impact Bank in Brazil, allowing Indigenous communities to sustain projects independently.

Programs under the TreeGreen Fund are comprehensive and geared toward essential community needs. These include:

  • Territorial Defense: Energy solutions will power forest guardian outposts, communication systems to report forest crimes in real-time, and essential technology for monitoring and defense.
  • Health and Logistics: The fund will support refrigeration for medicines and seasonal foods, provide solar-powered boats for transport, and enable water access and filtration systems to combat extreme drought conditions.
  • Educational and Community Spaces: Schools, meeting points, and collective spaces will gain access to renewable energy, bolstering education and communal activities.
  • Sustainable Economic Development: Energy will be channelled into projects that promote economic resilience and sustainability.

By providing reliable energy and fostering community-driven conservation, the TreeGreen Fund marks a crucial step toward both social equity and environmental stewardship in the Amazon. The fund’s vision goes beyond immediate support, aiming to strengthen Indigenous communities’ capacity for self-reliance while creating a sustainable pathway to conserve one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems.

Treesistance shortlisted for the 2024 SDG Awards

Posted on by Elli

We were honored to have been named a finalist in the Dutch SDG Awards. This recognition is a testament to the passion and commitment behind Treesistance’s efforts to protect the Amazon rainforest. Our mission — to combine indigenous knowledge with scientific innovation — reflects our deep belief in transforming how the world addresses forest crime and conservation.

The Dutch SDG Awards recognize organizations that are pioneering in creativity and innovation to drive social impact, especially in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals. SDG Netherlands brings together individuals, organizations, and communities to work collectively toward a more sustainable and equitable future. The nomination, means being acknowledged for contributions that go beyond the ordinary, from environmental preservation to fostering global cooperation and meaningful change.

At the core of our work is empowering indigenous communities to protect their territories, and we are grateful for the strong partnerships we’ve built globally. This support goes beyond financial contributions, as it includes sharing knowledge, expertise, and standing together for a shared purpose.

This recognition inspires us to continue spreading our message to our community in the global north and to remind both the general public and business world….. that you don’t have to be in the forest to join the fight.

* Image shows Treesistance team members Jesse van ‘t Hull and Niek Oldenburg with friend of the organisation Meindert Brouwer. Read more here

Strengthening Territorial Defence in Pajurá

Posted on by Elli

In July 2024, Chief Dadá Borari, head of the Treesistance Forest Guardians program, led a vital training session with the Pajurá community of the Tupinambá people. Located along the Tapajós River in the municipality of Santarém. The Tupinambá are known for their strong resistance and leadership in protecting their lands and culture.

The training brought together over 20 participants, including men and women of all ages. They learned essential skills in territorial defense, map creation, and fieldwork using mobile phones and GPS cameras. This initiative, supported by members of the Maró Indigenous Territory, was designed to equip the community with tools to safeguard their territory from growing threats.

A History of Struggle and Resilience

The Tupinambá people of the Lower Tapajós inhabit the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve (Resex), established in 1998 to counter threats from logging companies. Approximately 20 of the 70 Indigenous villages in the area belong to the Tupinambá. Despite their resilience, they have faced historical challenges in asserting their identity and land rights. Missionary activities and the devastating Cabanagem conflict, which wiped out up to 40% of the population in Grão Pará, almost erased their presence. This led many to believe that Indigenous groups in the region had vanished.

The creation of the Resex allowed the Tupinambá to reclaim their identity and demand the demarcation of their ancestral lands as Indigenous territory. This recognition would transform the current classification of the area and grant them greater control over their land.

Ongoing Threats and the Fight for Recognition

However, progress in officially recognizing Indigenous territories within the Resex has been slow. Frustrated by the delays, the Tupinambá began self-demarcating their lands in 2017. Their goal is to protect 350,000 hectares of traditional territory. They face numerous challenges, including large infrastructure projects such as the paving of the BR-163 highway, the Teles Pires-Tapajós Waterway, and the Ferrogrão railway. These projects, designed to transport commodities, threaten to disrupt their lands and way of life.

Illegal mining poses another serious risk. In 2019, illegal deforestation in the Tapajós region reached record levels, with 10,500 hectares of forest destroyed. The Covid-19 pandemic worsened the situation, leaving Indigenous communities more vulnerable and reducing state oversight.

Building a Stronger Future

This training marks a significant step forward in strengthening the Tupinambá’s ability to defend their lands. With the  support of Treesistance and with the a special thanks to Nordeq Management, a Danish advisory firm (who sponsored the formation), the community is building a network of Indigenous forest guardians dedicated to protecting the old growth forest in this region.

The determination and courage of the Tupinambá people are inspiring. Their efforts to safeguard their culture and territory against all odds serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and self-determination. Together, they are building a brighter future for their community and the generations to come.

Forest Guardians group formed in Cobra Grande

Posted on by Anja Bimmel

Successful formation new forest guardians group

This July we supported the successful formation of another group of forest guardians. The training involved 3 Indigenous groups: Arapiun, Jaraqui and Tapajo and was carried out in the Cobra Grande, meaning Big Snake, Indigenous Territory. The people of this area are faced with invaders interested in planting soybeans, raising cattle, illegally extracting timber, and engaging in predatory hunting and fishing. Now that the formation of a local group of forest guardians is complete, the Indigenous people in the area now have more tools and knowledge to protect their lands from illegal invaders.


Training new forest guardians

The training was led by the Treesistance Head of Forest Guardians program Chief Dadá Borari and selected members of the Maró Indigenous Territory and was made possible by the Dutch law firm Synergy Business Lawyers, who sponsored the formation. More than 50 individuals were successfully trained and are already working in the field.

The training included discussions on safe confrontation techniques, presentations on territorial defense and using technology in the field. Skills that are unfortunately a necessity in an area that has had a troubled history with non-indigenous people trying to exploit their land at the cost of the environment and the Indigenous People that try to defend it.

Group training forest guardians: using technology in the field.



















Threats to the Cobra Grande Indigenous Territory and People

The Cobra Grande Indigenous Territory is located in the municipality of Santarem, on the banks of the Arapiun River. This river springs from the Tapajos and Amazon river. For more than 20 years FUNAI (National Indian Foundation Brazil) has been working to demarcate the territory. Unfortunately due to circumstances like missing cartographic and land studies the process has taken longer than hoped. Due to this delay in demarcating their lands, the people of the Cobra Grande Indigenous Territory are faced with numerous invaders. This caused many conflicts between indigenous and non-indigenous people. So much so that cases of violence and discrimination against indigenous people led the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office to request that an investigation be opened by the Federal Police.*

Another problem faced by the indigenous people, with the delay in demarcation, was the creation of an agro-extractive settlement by INCRA – National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform, which overlaps their lands. But thankfully that issue is resolved with the delimitation of the Cobra Grande TI, which has 8,906 hectares on the left bank of the lower course of the Arapiuns River.

*Update – On September 5th 2024, the Ministry of Justice signed a decree to formally recognize the Cobra Grande Indigenous Territory


Welcome and specials thanks

We welcome the new group of forest guardians and wish them lots of strength and wisdom in the challenges that they face. Also we would like to give a special thanks to the Dutch law firm Synergy Business Lawyers for sponsoring this formation.

Empowering the Munduruku & Maytapu

Posted on by Elli

In July 2024, Chief Dadá Borari, leader of the Treesistance Forest Guardians program, organized an important training session for the Munduruku Cara Preta and Maytapu communities in Pinhel and Escrivão. These communities, located on the banks of the Tapajós River in Aveiro, a municipality covering 17,158 km² and home to around 15,000 inhabitants, came together to strengthen their defense against external threats to their lands.

The training, attended by over 50 participants, focused on territorial defense, map creation, and fieldwork using mobile phones and GPS cameras. This initiative, supported by members of the Maró Indigenous Territory, is a critical step in safeguarding the region from illegal activities such as mining and deforestation, and large infrastructure projects like the BR-163 highway.

Historical Context: Fordlândia and the Tapajós River

Not far from these communities lies Fordlândia, a failed rubber plantation project funded by Henry Ford from 1927 to 1945. Though the project ultimately failed, it serves as a reminder of external attempts to industrialize the Amazon and the lasting pressures on the region’s natural resources.

A United Front for the Future

With the support of Treesistance, the Munduruku Cara Preta and Maytapu communities are enhancing their ability to protect their land and culture. This training marks a significant step in their ongoing efforts to preserve their territory for future generations, blending modern tools with their ancestral wisdom.

OceanLove Innovation Award Winners

Posted on by admin

We are proud to announce that we were one of the 5 winners at the OceanLove Innovation Awards 2024 on June 20th, 2204 for our ‘Guardians of the Sacred Waters’ project in the Amazon.

Guardians of the Sacred Waters is a new Indigenous led protection and prevention model, coordinated between the European Crime prevention team and the leaders of the Lower Tapajos. The initiative is an expansion of a previous award winning pilot project on protecting the forests, which now aims to apply the tested approach to safeguarding the river ecosystem of the precious water territories in the Amazon. Using a blend of traditional wisdom and modern technology, they are taking a stand against water-based environmental crimes.

We’re delighted that we were able to successfully show the connection between forest, rivers, oceans and why they not just interconnected but actually interdependent.

Award announcement here

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You don’t have to be in the forest to join the fight.