Partnerships for Amazonia

In Berlin, the “Berlin aktiv im Klima-Bündnis” (Berlin Active in the Climate Alliance) group organises a partnership with the Munduruku of Brazil, supported with funding from the Federal State of Berlin. The initiative is committed to developing and operating a Munduruku cultural center in a village on the middle section of the Tapajós River. The partnership also strengthens civil society activities on education and networking in Berlin with a focus Amazonia.

This climate partnership was passed by the municipal council in December 2019 with an annual budget of 10,000 euros. The aim: to support the Borari in defending their land and human rights. The partnership is coordinated by the ProAmazonia Konstanz organisation, which also advises other interested municipalities. The partnership includes activities such as providing equipment to detect and report illegal deforestation.

The partnership between the City of Cologne and both the municipality Yarinacocha as well as the Federation of Indigenous Communities of Ucayali (FECONAU) got its start in 2017. It aims to empower Shipibo-Conibo communities, supporting them in their fight against the expansion of palm oil plantations on their land. Despite the legal recognition of their territories, the State reserves the right to possess the land and grant licenses for the cultivation of monocultures.

Through regular visits, representatives of the Asháninka make an important contribution to local educational work in Munich. Among other things, they draw attention to the effects of the climate crisis and raw material extraction on their lives. At the same time, Munich supports the Asháninka through public relations work and helps protect their rights with numerous projects. During the Covid19 pandemic, the city also provided emergency financial aid.