Suriname
The Jaguar: Guardian of the Amazon
In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, one elusive and powerful creature reigns supreme—the jaguar. Known as el tigre in much of South America, the jaguar is more than just an apex predator. Jaguar conservation in the Amazon is essential for the health and resilience of Amazonian ecosystems. The jaguar is also a sacred being…
Read MoreLegendary Field Botanist and ACT Honored by Surinamese Government
Surinamese Minister of the Environment Marciano Dasai recognized legendary field botanist Frits van Troon along with other members of the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) for their outstanding contributions to forest conservation in the region. The recognition took place during a special event at TBL Cinemas, where the life of field botanist Van Troon, 89, was…
Read MoreThe Amazon Rainforest: Fascinating Facts About Its Importance and Biodiversity
The Amazon Rainforest represents one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth, home to an incredible variety of plants, animals, and indigenous tribes. As the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon is crucial not only for its biodiversity but also for its role in regulating the global climate and supporting human life. As a result,…
Read MoreNew Indigenous Cultural Center in the Brazilian Amazon
Indigenous Health Sovereignty in the Amazon In a world increasingly defined by political turmoil, conflict, and environmental crises, stories of resilience and hope shine even brighter. One such beacon of hope emerges from the heart of the Brazilian Amazon: the newly inaugurated Kapai and Aretina Guardians of Knowledge Center. This community-driven initiative aims to preserve…
Read MoreACT Inaugurates New Indigenous Cultural Center in the Brazilian Amazon
We live in an age of unprecedented global chaos—political turmoil, a seemingly endless cycle of conflict in the Middle East, and wildfires ravaging the Amazon, which continue to rage despite efforts to curb them after the 2019 crisis. Amid this global uncertainty, good news is rare, yet desperately needed. Fortunately, there is a beacon of…
Read MoreAmazon Conservation Team Guianas at the World Environment Day Expo
A field-based conservation organization that partners with indigenous and other local communities to protect tropical forests and strengthen traditional culture. Visit our booth at the at the World Environment Day Expo, to learn about our unique model of Amazon rainforest management in Suriname. For over 25 years, ACT has co-created new methods of conservation with our…
Read MoreApproaching Land Rights for Maroon Peoples of Suriname
Recent momentum toward collective land tenure for Suriname’s afro-descendant groups In the country of Suriname, legislation that has been drafted to finally establish land rights for the nation’s indigenous and Maroon peoples is scheduled to be brought before parliament for a vote soon. In the Americas, the public is familiar with lands rights for indigenous…
Read MoreThe Amazon Conservation Team at the Floriade 2022
A Field-based conservation organization that partners with indigenous and other local communities to protect tropical forests and strengthen traditional culture. Visit our booth at the 2022 Floriade, to learn about our unique model of Amazon rainforest management in Suriname. For over 25 years, ACT has co-created new methods of conservation with our partners that honor…
Read MoreThe Shamans and Apprentices Program: A Promise to Kwamalasamutu
The success of the Shamans and Apprentices program was just the beginning of the pioneering biocultural conservation work that ACT has gone on to do. In the spirit of supporting communities in their own efforts — as opposed to implementing foreign, top-down initiatives — ACT sought to secure culturally appropriate means for human and environmental wellbeing, and increase recognition of indigenous culture and self-determination. In this way, we were able to merge the strengths and tools of the Western world in a way that complements but doesn’t dominate the ideals and goals of the local community.
Read MoreThe Healing Bees of the Amazon Forest
Ancient human societies were not the first to discover the power of plants for healing: for millions of years, bees have used botanical resin exudates—known as propolis—to control the proliferation of microorganisms in their nests. These Amazonian bees possess innate knowledge of medicinal plants. By collecting resin from different trees and plants, they produce one of the first medicine cocktail of animals’ societies, known as propolis. ACT has been strengthening the communities living in the Amazon forest in order to sustainably harvest this product.
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