Kawsak Sacha (living forest): Indigenous peoples' project to preserve cultures and land rights.

What is it about?

We present how Kichwa’s cosmology of Kawsak Sacha (living forest) inspires both territorial governance and educational practices. Our paper aims to contribute to a growing discussion on indigenous knowledge and educational challenges in Ecuador. The geographical focus of our study is the Pastaza province in the Amazonian region. Pastaza hosts a rich biological and cultural diversity and shelters seven recognized nationalities in Ecuador: Achuar, Andwa, Kichwa, Sapara, Shiwiar, Shuar, and Waorani. Like in other territories of Amazonia, they are under strong pressure for cultural assimilation, migration, loss of land, and continuous attacks from extractive industries.

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Why is it important?

Observing intercultural policies in the Amazonian region of Ecuador and how knowledge transmission takes place, including the visible elements in public spaces and schools, goes beyond a mere case study and points to alternative possibilities for a socio-ecological transformation beyond the prevailing notion of formal education. Indeed, educational plans proposed by indigenous organizations aim to engage the youths to become conscious of ecological, cultural, and political instances in their own community spaces, especially as they are under pressure from extractivism.