PIPER Project Concept
From CFI
The PIPER Project has began its second phase of development with the Achuar Indians of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Vincent Brown, project creator and main funder, has gone back to Ecuador to work with the Achuar people. Vincent has been in Quito Ecuador working closely with Fundacion Pachamama, a not-for-profit organization working with the Achuar Federation, FINAE (Federacion Interprovincial De Nacionaldad Achuar Del Ecuador)and other indigenous groups in Ecuador, to lay the foundation for an on-going relationship with the Cloud Forest Institute. For additional information about the achuar and those working with them visit http://www.pachamama.org
Vincent has been invited to live in the Achuar community of Pumpuentsa, in the Morona Santiago region of Southeast Ecuador, to teach English vocabulary and to help with several other village projects, including potable water and solar power. The village of Pumpuentsa is just south of the Pastaza River near the border with Peru and is home to about 250 Achuar. There are approximately 58 communities within the traditional territory of the Achuar, which spans the border of Ecuador and Peru. Historically the Achuar have inhabited approximately 1.7 million acres of the Amazon rainforest and currently number around 4000 people.
Precise information on the number of Indigenous inhabitants in this section of the Amazon Basin is dificult to achieve due to its remoteness and the seclusion of the people. However, some approximate numbers that the Fundacion Pachamama works with are: Achuar 1.7 million acres and 4000 people, Shiwiar .60 million acres and 800 people, Zapata .9 million acres and 300 people, Kichwa of Sarayako .3 million acres and 2000 people, Shuar from FIPSE (Federacion Independiente Del Pueblo Shuar Del Ecuador) .45 million acres and 4500 people and combined other groups that represent several million more acres and approximately 60,000 people. This region of the Amazon represents approximately 5-6 million acres and is inhabited by about 71,600 people.
The land of the Achuar and neighboring peoples consists of pristine rainforest and is one of the most bio-diverse regions left on the planet. They and their supporters are working to get their land designated a bio-diversity reserve to be held for the the good of all people, from all nations. To help achieve this goal they are building an eco-tourism business centered around the Kapawi eco-reserve and lodge, built in the Pastaza Region, to the north of Morona Santiago along the Pastaza River, [www.kapawi.com]. Construction of Kapawi was funded by outside investors and been built in the traditional archeticture of the Achuar. Operation of the Kapawi Reserve will be completely run and staffed by the Achuar in 2011, who are now in training as staff, maintenance and guides.
The goal of the PIPER Project is to become a bridge between groups of indigenous people of North Amercia and South America and be an Ambassador of Good Will to those people. By connecting people and cultures there would be many potential educational and experiential opportunities. Specifically, student exchange opportunities, ecosystem research within the rainforest and spiritual enrichment through interaction with indigenous healers and teachers. There is also a desire to produce a film that documents the plight of the Pacific Northwest, the forests of Canada, the devastation of Northern Ecuador and the pristine wilderness of the Achuar. It is hoped that the PIPER Project would help the indigenous people of the rainforests to connect in a way that will enhance their mutual abilities.
At a recent gathering Vincent made contact with a Shuar shaman who has extened an invitation to visit and study in their community. This would take place after June of 2005, when Vincent completes this first excursion into Achuar territory. The indigenous people in Ecuador are open and willing to meet and work with interested persons whom they feel to be sincere and well intentioned. Groups such as FINAE and FIPSE are well organized, self-empowered and reaching out to people across the globe to help them protect their land and culture. This fits well with the goals of the PIPER Project and it seems that the opportunity to bring students and interested people to interact with these groups is quickly becomming a reality. Vincent will be coming out of the Achuar territory in Mid-January and will update this site at that time.
If you would like to make a contribution to Vincent's and Cloud Forest Institute's work with the Achuar it would be greatly appriciated. There is an ongoing financial need for travel, food, communication and other supplies such as CDs and DVDs for recording the rainforest and its inhabitants. Cloud Forest Institute is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible. Please make donations to Cloud Forest Institute and write PIPER Project in the memo section of your check.
If you would like to contact Vincent by mail while in Ecuador he can be reached through the Fundacion Pachamama, in Quito Ecuador. The address is: Vincent Brown c/o Fundacion Pachamama, Republica De Salvador 890 y Suscia, Edifico Delta, Primer Piso, Quito, Ecuador. The mail will be forwarded via the Achuar Federation FINAE to Pumpuentsa. Please be patient as it will take awhile (month or so)to reach Pumpuentsa and get the response back to you. E-mail messages will be answered, as time allows, when Vincent comes out of Achuar territory in January 2005.
Vincent E Brown- vince@bullhornrag.com, erthwarrior@yahoo.com
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