This page provides a clear overview of how resources are managed and invested in the protection of Indigenous territories in Brazil. It is designed for both Indigenous partners and donors, ensuring that financial decisions are transparent, accountable, and aligned with community priorities.
Safeguarding forests, strengthening Indigenous autonomy, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the territories.
We outline income sources, expenditures by category and mechanisms for monitoring and reporting.
We demonstrate responsible use of funds, providing donors with confidence that resources are managed effectively.
Independent audits, regular reporting, and open communication ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Transparency, accountability, participation, and respect for Indigenous leadership guide all financial practices.
Indigenous leaders are involved in planning, approving priorities, and reviewing financial reports
Treesistance is part of the Sinchi Foundation (Stichting Sinchi) A registered charity in the Netherlands with ANBI status.
Sinchi Foundation was set up in 2016 in support of Indigenous peoples and the protection of Nature. The organization partnered on projects across 6 continents from 2016-2020. In 2019, founder Tom Wheeler met with Vandria Borari (Indigenous Lawyer from the Amazon) at an Human Rights conference in the Netherlands and was subsequently introduced to CITA (The Indigenous Council of the Tapajós & Arapiun) in the same year. Sinchi initially funded the construction of a new headquarters for CITA in Santarem and provided support for food baskets during the pandemic. Over 2022-23, we developed four strategic pillars based on the needs of the Indigenous peoples of the Lower Tapajós, these being Access to Justice, Communications, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Economic Development.
Meanwhile in 2021, Tom Wheeler met Tim Boekhout van Solinge who was running a small NGO called Forest Forces, which had been supporting the Indigenous territories of Maró and Planalto in the same region for many years with access to justice and territorial defence strategies. Over an 18 month period, Tom and Tim visited Brazil together multiple times and formed a first collaboration with the Munduruku territory of Taquara to support the formation of their forest guardian group.
At the end of 2022, they decided to merge their organizations and on June 22nd 2023, Treesistance was born (Founded by Tom, Tim and acclaimed Indigenous leader Chief Dadá Borarí).
Our relationships with Indigenous Peoples and local communities revolve around a shared commitment to guardianship. These commitments and mutual obligations are laid out to secure the well-being of people and places and to provide durable, long-term financial and technical support. Each agreement follows an explicit process of planning guided by the principle that all participants are equals.
Treesistance supports improvements in their “enabling conditions,” including policy frameworks, ecosystem and social monitoring systems, and long-term financing. Further, we help propel locally relevant enterprises, infrastructure, and other projects integral to the well-being and earning power of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Indigenous‐Led & Participatory – Communities define success criteria and retain ownership of their own data/ stories
Do‐No‐Harm – Safeguard cultural knowledge, personal privacy, and sensitive geospatial data.
Learning Culture – Failures and successes are openly discussed; adaptation is encouraged.
Transparency & Accountability – Findings, methods, and assumptions are shared with stakeholders
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