The Kogi Elders possess deep knowledge of the structures of the Earth’s body and are masters at keeping and regenerating the richness of living systems on a profound level. For them, spirit and matter are intimately linked and the source of life and the basis of our planet. They view themselves as the “keepers of the heart of the world” – the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a coastal mountain range in northern Colombia. The Kogi are currently confronted with the loss of their ancestral territories, which has resulted in the erosion of their cultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and means of subsistence.
The Kogi Elders possess deep knowledge of the structures of the Earth’s body and are masters at keeping and regenerating the richness of living systems on a profound level. For them, spirit and matter are intimately linked and the source of life and the basis of our planet. They view themselves as the “keepers of the heart of the world” – the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a coastal mountain range in northern Colombia. The Kogi are currently confronted with the loss of their ancestral territories, which has resulted in the erosion of their cultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and means of subsistence.
"We have technology, but not one that harms nature... instead one that respects and works in harmony with our environment." - Kogi, Arregoces Coronado Zarabata
CHALLENGE
The Kogi are guardians of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which they call the heart of the world. Recently, they have lost significant portions of their ancestral territory, resulting in significant challenges to their culture, traditional knowledge, and livelihoods. The Kogi people believe that their land is sacred, losing it hinders their ability to perform their spiritual duties in supporting the Earth and maintaining its balance.This has led to a degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity loss.
SOLUTION
The land buyback initiative aims to acquire a piece of land that was taken from the Kogi and urgently returned to its rightful ancestral owners. The territory is located in the lower elevations of the mountain range, where the ecosystem balance is particularly fragile. Retrieving this piece of land would prevent further logging and illegal hunting. The shamans (mamos) would be able to visit the sacred sites in the area and perform their ancient rituals to maintain balance not only in the ecosystem but also in the world. Therefore, the ownership of the 59 hectares must be restored to the Kogi people.
CHALLENGE
The Kogi are guardians of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which they call the heart of the world. Recently, they have lost significant portions of their ancestral territory, resulting in significant challenges to their culture, traditional knowledge, and livelihoods. The Kogi people believe that their land is sacred, losing it hinders their ability to perform their spiritual duties in supporting the Earth and maintaining its balance.This has led to a degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity loss.
SOLUTION
The land buyback initiative aims to acquire a piece of land that was taken from the Kogi and urgently returned to its rightful ancestral owners. The territory is located in the lower elevations of the mountain range, where the ecosystem balance is particularly fragile. Retrieving this piece of land would prevent further logging and illegal hunting. The shamans (mamos) would be able to visit the sacred sites in the area and perform their ancient rituals to maintain balance not only in the ecosystem but also in the world. Therefore, the ownership of the 59 hectares must be restored to the Kogi people.
We have power in numbers.
We have power in numbers.
We have power in numbers.