Bosque Arutam
From CFI
Potential Indigenous People’s Exchange and Research Project
P.I.P.E.R. Project
Bosque Protector Arutam (Protected Forest “Arutam”)
Pastaza Region, Ecuador
Bosque Protector Arutam straddles the main road from Puyo to Macas, in Southeast Ecuador. Via Macas is a two lane gravel road that follows the edge of the Amazon and the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains. The bosque is 2710 hectares of primary forest
The property is in the ownership of the Shuar community Arutam. The west border sits close to the Pastaza River and an old ox bow lagoon. From there the property lays east across the Via Macas and into the rolling foothills that extend into the rainforest.
In the eastern portion of the bosque there are several streams with deep gorges, waterfalls, marshland and land for wildlife.
Nearly invisible paths lead through the forest to the many habitat zones and it would take months to explore all of the areas within the boundaries. We are on our way to the waterfall where my friend’s ancestors have purified themselves before and after battle for generations. The vegetation looks the same everywhere, the trails are not marked and I would have become lost within minutes. My guide has grown up here and navigates the winding path with ease. I was told that I moved through the forest very well for a gringo.
Some of the sustainable income sources being explored at Bosque Arutam are herbal diet supplements, teas and eco-tourism. There is a community to support and it is known that selling the resources is not the answer to their problems. Education and cultural community development are top on the list of activities for Arutam. Part of preserving the culture is making traditional herbal remedies, food and building supplies are made available to the people.
In the culture of the Shuar, who were the headhunters of the Amazon, the men would purify themselves before and after the battle. They would fast for as many as 4 days, bathing in the waterfall and walking in the forest gathering their will and intention. After the fast they would drink Ayahuasca or a variety of floripondio which bring them visions of their future and guidance and strength from Arutam, or God. If a warrior was strong enough to control the fear of meeting with Arutam then he could speak directly to Arutam and get the gift of additional strength and valor for the battle. If the warrior were to die bravely in battle their spirit would go back to the waterfall and live there in the form of an anaconda or jaguar. In time a Shuar warrior would come to bath and ask for strength and the spirit of the dead warrior would enliven the seeker and therefore recycle the energy of life. If a warrior was to die an ignoble death during battle his spirit would divide into parts and live in different insects and animals of the forest. If successful in battle the warrior would return to the waterfall to thank the spirits of the cascade for the strength and purify themselves in the water.
It was a gift to be taken to the waterfall and bath where the ancestors had purified themselves. The rain stopped when we got to the cascade and the sun came out giving a surreal hue to the surrounding forest. We bathed in the water and talked about the challenges to the indigenous people, we spoke to the spirits and asked for strength to do the work we need to do and became brothers of the heart. The experience brought two cultures closer together and will hopefully lead to positive action for Bosque Arutam.
Researchers and scientists from all fields of inquiry are welcome to come and conduct studies and field work in the Arutam Rainforest Reserve. Specifically we encourage agronomists, foresters, veterinarians, biologists, social scientists, teachers, medical students, anthropologists, horticulturalists and others to come and do field work, thesis or projects in our forest and community.
There is housing for visitors built in the traditional architecture of the Shuar close to the main cluster of family dwellings but with a fantastic view of the Amazon foothills and distant Andes Mountains. Visitors are encouraged to eat and spend time with the community’s families and to participate in community activities. In fact they are invited to become members of the extended Bosque Arutam family and come back to study or visit at any time. This is an excellent opportunity to study the rainforest plants, animals, learn the culture from the indigenous people and help protect and preserve this portion of the Amazon Rainforest.
Bosque Arutam is working to upgrade and expand their housing for long term visitors, develop additional rainforest trails and to build an arts center where local artisans can make and sell their crafts. A German foundation has sponsored a young man to teach in Arutam’s small school, which has 15 students. Plans are being made to enlarge the school facility to accommodate more local youth and adults. If you are interested in education and love rustic living this could be the experience of a lifetime. Come to Bosque Arutam and help with the realization of this important project. Visit the website at: www.fundecoipa.com and take a photo tour and also visit the photo gallery link for Bosque Arutam on this page.
