Kawsak Sachata Kishpichik Runakuna
In 2013, with the firm purpose of strengthening the territorial management plan and the care of Kawsak Sacha (Living Jungle), the team was formed Kaskirunakuna (Guardians of the Jungle).
Originally formed with 8 members, today it has established itself as one of the flagship programs of the Kichwa Indigenous People of Sarayaku, being the operational heart of the defense and conservation of our territory.
As defenders of the rainforest, their main functions are structured around the following pillars:
Monitoring. Surveillance. Territorial Control
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General supervision: Supervise, monitor and periodically track the declared areas Kawsak Sacha and the entire territory of Sarayaku, ensuring that internal or external agents do not carry out polluting or destructive activities.
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Patrol plans: Organize and coordinate surveillance plans in the main tributaries and strategic areas of KS, working alongside the Kawsak Sacha Kishpichik Runakuna (KASKIRUNA / Guardians of the Jungle).
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Control of boundaries and key points: Coordinate with the territory leader, the Kaskiruna and Atayak to monitor ancestral boundaries and protect lookout points of Sisa Ñampi (Path of Flowers).
Environmental Protection and Enforcement of Standards
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Normative socialization: Disseminate, comply with and enforce the rules of the management plan of Kawsak Sacha and the rules of coexistence for the Sumak kawsay throughout the territory.
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Resource regulation: Control hunting, fishing, stays in dairy farms and general care of biodiversity.
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Research and contingency: Take immediate verification and investigation actions in cases of hunting in reserve areas or areas of endangered species.
Information, Asset and Transparency Management
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Updated database: Keep the management plan database continuously updated, recording biological diversity (maps, fauna species, flora, fish fauna), the life of Kawsak Sacha and the movement and management of the territory.
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Inventory control: Monitor, control and keep up to date the inventory of all goods and equipment assigned to the program.
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Transparency: Present detailed reports and progress on management in the people's assemblies and congresses.
HOW DO WE WORK?
OUR MANAGEMENT MODEL
The work of the Kaskiruna It is not isolated nor limited exclusively to the team itself; it is born from the heart of the community and combines ancestral wisdom with modern technology.
Our methodology is participatory and two-way. The Sarayaku Governing Council, together with the technical team, leaders, and community leaders, constantly evaluates and guides the work of the Kaskiruna; as well as receiving community management suggestions and necessary recommended actions.
Each role and function responds directly to the mandates and collective decisions of our people.
Monitoring with Technology
We assess the health of wildlife using camera traps in salting plants and borders, and we designed utilization calendars to ensure that local hunting and fishing are sustainable.
Cartography and Data:
We translate field expeditions into maps, censuses and technical data sheets which serve for the zoning of the territory along with the kurakas (community authorities).
Continuing Education
The team is constantly trained in environmental legislation, digital mapping, the use of new technologies, and data systematization tools.
Community Governance
All our work is evaluated in a participatory manner by the Sarayaku Governing Council, leaders and directors, ensuring that every action responds to the mandate of the people.
Incidence
We take the results of our work to local, national and international stages to raise awareness of the defense of Kawsak Sacha.
