Indigenous peoples have managed Amazonian forests sustainably for millennia. Moreover, territories managed by indigenous peoples are better conserved than territories in other regions. This contributes to mitigating climate change and promoting natural environment conservation (FAO, 2021).

In the southern Amazon, this was no exception. Therefore, in 2023, the project “Connecting the Landscape for the Well-being of People and Nature” was co-created with stakeholders in Madre de Dios. The project seeks the inclusive and equitable conservation of the Amazonian territory in Peru. Through a strategy that promotes sustainable livelihoods and coexistence with biodiversity. Thus, various needs and interests were identified. One of them was to strengthen the financial and administrative capacities of indigenous organizations to improve their management, productivity, and sustainability.

To begin this process, WWF Peru's administrative team trained the Madre de Dios Indigenous Forestry Association (AFIMAD), the Harakbut, Yine, Machiguenga Council (COHARYIMA) and the Indigenous Council of the Lower Zone of Madre de Dios (COINMABAD) on issues such as the responsibilities and commitments assumed when receiving international cooperation funds, monitoring the disposition of these funds, contractual requirements, and the possible risks that could arise.

In addition, they addressed the management of possible conflicts of interest. As well as the complaint mechanisms, they can use to denounce any misuse of funds. They were also provided with the necessary tools to identify, prevent, and address situations of fraud and corruption. All this through case studies that allow them to apply the theory and thus promote transparency and responsible management in their organizations.

“The workshops sought to empower the partners to develop their skills for international cooperation funds. It is a new process, but the WWF team saw changes in a short time. This strengthens them at an organizational level, since in the future, they can take advantage of funding opportunities with security and confidence in their potential,” said Stephanie Huaranca, Senior Manager of Financial Management & Grants.

Members are gradually discovering the value of the new knowledge. For example, AFIMAD now has more orderly systems that optimize its administrative work. “The training has been a positive complement to our organization. We have improved the processes for hiring consultants and we know how to act in different cases. They have also helped us develop a financial and administrative manual. We feel that it has taken us some time to improve, but we are getting there,” said Judith Milagros Osorio, AFIMAD's administrator for the past nine years. 
 
The knowledge put into practice improves communication and transparency of the work with members. At assemblies or meetings, members of the organization's boards of directors explain how they carry out the new administrative processes and the importance of this method of working for accountability and fund management. In this way, they are strengthening their governance and institutionality.

Mr. Alejandro Eca, President of Coharyima, shares a similar testimony: “At the organizational level, we are strengthening the transparency policy. The training has helped us improve reporting and communication with the communities. Before, it was difficult to show the importance of these acts, but now they understand more, and we are improving.”

This initiative strengthens indigenous organizations at the administrative level by funding tools such as laptops. It also reinforces their management. Although great challenges remain, the motivation and commitment of those involved have been fundamental to achieving these first accomplishments. Together, it is possible!

Connecting the Landscape for the Wellbeing of People and Nature

In Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, these actions are being carried out to conserve essential natural resources for all and build a future in which both people and nature thrive, within the framework of the 'Connecting the landscape for the well-being of people and nature' project.