Colombia Makes History: Legal Protection for Indigenous Peoples in Isolation

Colombia Makes History: Legal Protection for Isolated Indigenous peoples in Colombia

In a groundbreaking move, the Colombian government has taken an unprecedented step to protect Indigenous Peoples Living in Isolation by defining their territory—with Indigenous allies, the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT), and a coalition of partner organizations playing central roles in fostering this historic resolution. 

Indigenous communities living adjacent to the territories of isolated indigenous peoples, as well as their representative organizations, have spearheaded efforts to protect the territories of those peoples, whom they recognize as the keepers of cultural traditions and knowledge following decades of colonization pressures and violence. 

With the signing of Resolution 244 by Colombia’s Ministry of the Interior, the country has, for the first time ever, formally defined the territoriality of Indigenous communities living in isolation. Specifically, the Yuri-Passé peoples, who inhabit a remote area between the Caquetá and Putumayo Rivers in the Colombian Amazon, now have their ancestral territory legally defined and protected.  

This is more than a symbolic act—it is a legal and environmental milestone that ensures the land they depend on remains untouched and safeguarded from outside threats.  

Years of Collaboration Lead to Historic Recognition 

This achievement builds on Decree 1232 of 2018, which established the legal process to protect their rights, confirm their existence, and define the territories of isolated Indigenous communities.  ACT provided essential information as a foundation for the decree. 

Since then, ACT has worked closely with local Indigenous organizations—including the Association of Traditional Indigenous Authorities of La Pedrera, Amazonas (AIPEA), the Association of Indigenous Authorities of the Arica Area (AIZA), the Association of Traditional Indigenous Authorities Bora Miraña (Piine Aiiyveju Niimue Iachimua) (PANI), and the Association of the Greater Indigenous Council of Tarapacá (CIMTAR)—to deepen understanding of the lands traditionally occupied by the Yuri-Passé peoples. By combining modern geospatial mapping tools with traditional ecological knowledge, these groups collaboratively conducted a comprehensive territorial study that painted a far more complete picture of Indigenous land use and that underpins much of the intent of this important step by the Colombian government.  

This study is a joint effort between local indigenous organizations, the Colombian National Parks Unit and ACT. It was formally approved by the Colombian government, becoming the foundation for Resolution 244 that establishes over 2.7 million acres of rainforest as Yuri-Passé territory. This area is a significant expansion of previously defined “intangible zones”—protected areas of exceptional cultural and biological importance in which no extractive activity may be carried out—and now spans across parts of the Río Puré National Park and several Indigenous Reserves. The resolution also establishes a buffer zone along the southern edge of the national park to help block illegal logging encroaching from the Putumayo River.  

A New Framework for Indigenous Protection in Colombia 

This is the first time in Colombia’s history that a legal resolution has recognized the confirmed presence and territoriality of Indigenous Peoples in Isolation and outlined specific measures for their territorial protection. It also creates a replicable framework for safeguarding other isolated Indigenous communities throughout the Amazon—which is one of ACT’s most important goals 

This protection of over 2.7 million acres of rainforest was made possible by years of work from Indigenous associations, government institutions, civil society groups, and international donors.  

This collective effort included leadership from Colombia’s Ministry of the Interior, the Department of Amazonas, the National Parks Unit of Colombia, the National Organization of Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon (OPIAC), and the Indigenous communities of the Puré River region. The process was supported by technical assistance from ACT and financial support from the Andes Amazon Fund and Re:wild.  

At ACT, we believe that conservation is strongest when led by Indigenous voices. This achievement reflects the power of Indigenous knowledge, governance, and advocacy in shaping the future of their ancestral lands.  

What’s Next for ACT and Our Partners 

For the Amazon Conservation Team, this moment represents the culmination of years of dedicated work alongside Indigenous partners and allies. But it’s also a starting point. Now that Colombia has established a legal path to protect Indigenous Peoples in Isolation, we are committed to helping replicate and adapt this model in other parts of the Amazon.  

Together with Indigenous associations, we will continue to support territorial protection, traditional governance, and cultural survival—ensuring that Indigenous peoples who choose isolation can continue living freely, safely, and with dignity in the forest that sustains them.  

To learn more about our work protecting Indigenous rights and Amazonian territories: