A much needed paradigm shift
"Saving the Amazon Rainforest" has often been dubbed a wicked problem, insurmountable for its complexity - environmental, social and economic dimensions interacting and often conflicting with each other.
There is a general consensus among scientists and experts the Amazon is in dire need of a new paradigm, breaking away from extractive models that would at least slow down the destruction of this unique ecosystem, protect its most prized biodiversity hot spots and keep 123 billion tons of CO2 in the ground. Propositions have ranged from greening extractive industries to fostering ecotourism, from implementing agroforestry models to emitting carbon/ biodiversity credits, each generating their own industries and markets. Even our cherished environmental NGOs have been forced to embrace this change, funders considering "bringing awareness to the plight of the Amazon and its inhabitants" isn't enough anymore.
Many of these proposed solutions may effectively bring positive change, even though all are highly dependent on massive funding and market dynamic such as adoption both at the micro and macro level. Unfortunately, too few are taking an integrative and holistic approach, even at a micro level. Wicked problems require that we ask the right questions while acknowledging there isn’t a “holy grail”, and that we thoroughly consult stakeholders while revisiting implemented solutions regularly in face of ever evolving social, environmental and economic factors as to avoid repeating mistakes made earlier, the infamous “unintended consequences.”
Take ecotourism, whether privately or community run, although perhaps the most flourishing activity in and around the Amazon, it has reached a tipping point that the COVID global pandemic has exacerbated and few would like to address. How many of these ecotourist projects can survive an economic downturn? How large is the market? What is the capacity of communities to market their product? It is enough to visit decrepitated ecolodges to realize how fragile this activity is. When one fails, local communities are left in disarray and quickly go back to the only source of income they know: exploiting their natural resources - agriculture and wood.
There is a general consensus among scientists and experts the Amazon is in dire need of a new paradigm, breaking away from extractive models that would at least slow down the destruction of this unique ecosystem, protect its most prized biodiversity hot spots and keep 123 billion tons of CO2 in the ground. Propositions have ranged from greening extractive industries to fostering ecotourism, from implementing agroforestry models to emitting carbon/ biodiversity credits, each generating their own industries and markets. Even our cherished environmental NGOs have been forced to embrace this change, funders considering "bringing awareness to the plight of the Amazon and its inhabitants" isn't enough anymore.
Many of these proposed solutions may effectively bring positive change, even though all are highly dependent on massive funding and market dynamic such as adoption both at the micro and macro level. Unfortunately, too few are taking an integrative and holistic approach, even at a micro level. Wicked problems require that we ask the right questions while acknowledging there isn’t a “holy grail”, and that we thoroughly consult stakeholders while revisiting implemented solutions regularly in face of ever evolving social, environmental and economic factors as to avoid repeating mistakes made earlier, the infamous “unintended consequences.”
Take ecotourism, whether privately or community run, although perhaps the most flourishing activity in and around the Amazon, it has reached a tipping point that the COVID global pandemic has exacerbated and few would like to address. How many of these ecotourist projects can survive an economic downturn? How large is the market? What is the capacity of communities to market their product? It is enough to visit decrepitated ecolodges to realize how fragile this activity is. When one fails, local communities are left in disarray and quickly go back to the only source of income they know: exploiting their natural resources - agriculture and wood.
If, like us, you have been participating in many of those round tables, conferences and coalitions, you might have recognized the elephant in the room: Poverty. You might also have noticed a voice is barely present where decisions are made: Indigenous Peoples, the true custodians of the most pristine environment. Yes, they may be invited to voice their opinions, offer prayers, pose for pictures, but only 1% of international climate and environmental funds reach them. Of the $270MM committed at COP conferences from 2011 to 2020, only 7% were dedicated to Indigenous Peoples and local communities. That's an aberrant $18MM.
They are at the bottom of every socio-economic indicators, the very last people who received aid from their national or provincial government during the last pandemic - if they actually received any. Only their capacity to organize around mutual-aid saved them.
Indigenous communities have laid down the foundation* of a biocultural economic model adapted to local realities while integrating their worldview. We have an opportunity to bring this vision into fruition and deliver a blueprint for a healthy forest and thriving communities. Focusing on Medicinal Plants carries a lot of meanings. Herbalism is a practice shared by societies all over the world and a prominent aspect of Indigenous resurgence. It is also a vehicle for storytelling Indigenous’ values and wisdom. By 2025, the Herbal Medicinal market is expected to reach $125 billions & the Natural Beauty Market $110 billions with a wide range of products from oils to formulated solutions. These markets are expected to triple in size by 2030 with a CAGR in the double digits.
Biocultural: Refers to the intricate relationships between human biology and culture, encompassing the ways in which culture influences biology, biology influences culture, and the interplay between the two. It involves a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, recognizing the complex and dynamic interactions between biological and cultural factors.
- In our context, it refers to the interaction between the People of the Amazon Rainforest and medicinal plants, their health systems and the impact planting and preserving plants have on biodiversity.
Intercultural: Refers to interactions, relationships, or phenomena that occur between or among two or more groups or cultures. It encompasses the acknowledgment and appreciation of diverse cultural perspectives, values, and norms, as well as the mutual exchange and understanding between individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds.
- In our context, it refers to technology and processes used to replicate the herbalist model to produce remedies and personal care products. To us, it was and still is very important that we bring the least invasive and most beneficial approach when working with isolated Indigenous Peoples.
* Many Indigenous Peoples and communities have gone through the burdensome and enriching process of editing their living plan covering every aspect of their existence and relationships from education to food security, from healthcare to transportation. Centrals to these short and long-term plans are the development of a biocultural economy respecting local realities, the strengthening of their healthcare system and the preservation of their natural environment.
They are at the bottom of every socio-economic indicators, the very last people who received aid from their national or provincial government during the last pandemic - if they actually received any. Only their capacity to organize around mutual-aid saved them.
Indigenous communities have laid down the foundation* of a biocultural economic model adapted to local realities while integrating their worldview. We have an opportunity to bring this vision into fruition and deliver a blueprint for a healthy forest and thriving communities. Focusing on Medicinal Plants carries a lot of meanings. Herbalism is a practice shared by societies all over the world and a prominent aspect of Indigenous resurgence. It is also a vehicle for storytelling Indigenous’ values and wisdom. By 2025, the Herbal Medicinal market is expected to reach $125 billions & the Natural Beauty Market $110 billions with a wide range of products from oils to formulated solutions. These markets are expected to triple in size by 2030 with a CAGR in the double digits.
Biocultural: Refers to the intricate relationships between human biology and culture, encompassing the ways in which culture influences biology, biology influences culture, and the interplay between the two. It involves a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, recognizing the complex and dynamic interactions between biological and cultural factors.
- In our context, it refers to the interaction between the People of the Amazon Rainforest and medicinal plants, their health systems and the impact planting and preserving plants have on biodiversity.
Intercultural: Refers to interactions, relationships, or phenomena that occur between or among two or more groups or cultures. It encompasses the acknowledgment and appreciation of diverse cultural perspectives, values, and norms, as well as the mutual exchange and understanding between individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds.
- In our context, it refers to technology and processes used to replicate the herbalist model to produce remedies and personal care products. To us, it was and still is very important that we bring the least invasive and most beneficial approach when working with isolated Indigenous Peoples.
* Many Indigenous Peoples and communities have gone through the burdensome and enriching process of editing their living plan covering every aspect of their existence and relationships from education to food security, from healthcare to transportation. Centrals to these short and long-term plans are the development of a biocultural economy respecting local realities, the strengthening of their healthcare system and the preservation of their natural environment.