Indigenous communities find power in ancestral knowledge

This International Women's Day, we highlight the work and ideas of Lucy, an indigenous leader in Chocó, Colombia.

The indigenous people of Colombia are being exploited. Now, many people live in a constant state of fear. Their human rights have been violated, their land has been stolen, and they don't have enough to eat because they cannot access their crops. And it's the women who are suffering the most.

Their home and landscape is in a dangerous state of decline. Waterways are dirty and full of plastic. Climate change has led to deforestation, flooding, and diminishing wildlife.

Lucy stated:

"The women in our communities look out for our culture, spirituality, and way of life.

"The water holds our spirits - there is no longer peace, tranquillity, harmony. Life has changed, and our spirituality too."

Within her community, Lucy is a powerful figure in speaking up against overconsumption. She uses her ancestral knowledge to better preserve our natural world.

She said:

"We must go back to how we did things in the past - a complete ban on disposable culture. We must look at our origins for the solutions to the future. Indigenous ways are a solution to the world's problems. Our communities aren't about commercialisation, we're about living in harmony with our Common Home."

We are at a critical turning point because of the climate emergency, so at SCIAF, we find Lucy's words particularly profound.

Through conversations with our partners and the communities that we serve, SCIAF uses local knowledge to plan and implement sustainable and lasting solutions. But there is much more to be done!

Thank you, Lucy, for making us think about how we can improve consumption habits and daily practices to deepen our connection with nature - and to protect people and planet.