"A world where indigenous communities are economically independent and owners of their future is possible."

We aim to be an integral partner for indigenous communities by developing socioeconomic development strategies that provide sustainable value to their people and lands. We also promote bridges between indigenous communities and the wider world through social awareness and well-being programs.

We are deeply committed to reconciliation, economic independence for indigenous communities, and environmental protection.

EXPLORE PROJECTS

We pledge to always put the community first. That means being leaders in environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Our Promise

We aim to be an integral partner for this forgotten indigenous community, generating sustainable socioeconomic development strategies and promoting bridges between them and the new world through awareness and social welfare programs.

The Warao people are one of the oldest ethnic groups in Venezuela and the second largest in the country after the Wayu. They are currently classified by UNESCO among the world's leading indigenous peoples collectors. Warao traditions tell us that they were already there when the island of Trinidad was connected to the mainland, approximately between 8,500 or 9,000 years ago.

The name "Warao" means "people of the lowlands" or "people of the swamp", which comes from waha, "lowland" and arao "inhabitants." The name can also be translated as "men from the boats."

The Warao tribe is an example of how humans can adapt to even the most challenging environments. They have developed a rich and vibrant culture that is both unique and sustainable. The Warao are an inspiration to us all.

Waraos: A Culture to Preserve

The Warao's location in the Orinoco Delta is both unique and challenging, a vast region of mangrove forests, swamps, and rivers. The Warao have developed a unique culture that is adapted to the aquatic environment. They live in stilt houses, use canoes for transportation and fishing, and are skilled at basket weaving, pottery, and wood carving. The delta is a harsh environment, but it has also provided the Warao with everything they need to survive and thrive.

The Warao are a semi-nomadic people, and they move their villages throughout the year to find the best fishing and hunting grounds. They have faced many challenges over the years, including displacement from their lands, environmental degradation, and disease. However, they have managed to maintain their culture and way of life.

Location: A Unique Culture Adapted to a Challenging Environment

We have clear objectives to support the development of the Warao community in Venezuela, including:

Education: Investing in education to provide access to quality education in both Spanish and Warao, as well as supporting the development of culturally relevant curricula.

Healthcare: Investing in healthcare to improve the health and quality of life of the Warao people by addressing health challenges such as malnutrition, malaria, and tuberculosis.

Economic development: Supporting sustainable economic development initiatives led by the Warao community themselves to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods. This could include supporting the development of tourism, agriculture, and fishing projects.

Environmental protection: Protecting the environment, which is essential for the well-being and way of life of the Warao people. This includes supporting the development of sustainable resource management practices and combating climate change.

We are committed to working with the Warao community to create a better future for them.

Supporting sustainable development for the Warao community

The Warao's tribe are facing a number of social emergencies. These emergencies include:

Poor health conditions and high mortality rates: The Warao tribe is disproportionately affected by a number of diseases, including AIDS, virosis, diarrhea, fever, dental caries, helminthiasis, asthma, severe headaches, pharyngo-tonsillitis, urinary infections, and anemias. Malnutrition and stomach problems are also common, and there is often a lack of food and clean water. 30% of Warao indigenous children die in the first months of life due to poor medical care at the few available health centers, which are also in dire condition in terms of infrastructure, supplies, medicines, and trained doctors.

Lack of access to education: The Warao tribe has limited access to education. Many Warao children do not attend school because they have to help their families. On the other hand, the lack of access to education can lead to poor health outcomes, as people may not be aware of how to prevent diseases or how to seek treatment if they do become sick.

Discrimination and violence: The Warao tribe face discrimination and violence from the majority Venezuelan population. This discrimination is often based on their ethnicity and their way of life. Discrimination can lead to social isolation and psychological trauma, which can also have a negative impact on health.

Environmental degradation and climate change: The Warao tribe's homeland, the Orinoco Delta, is under increasing threat from environmental degradation and climate change. The delta is sinking, and the saltwater is intruding further inland. This is making it difficult for the Warao to grow food and fish, and it is also increasing the risk of flooding. Also, this can lead to food insecurity and malnutrition, which can weaken the immune system and make people more susceptible to diseases.

The social emergencies of the Warao tribe are a complex problem with no easy solutions. However, it is important to raise awareness of the challenges facing the Warao people and to work to protect their culture and way of life.

Social Emergency

Discrimination, Disease, Hunger & Extreme Poverty

The asphalt pollution from Lake Guanoco (the largest natural asphalt lake in the world) has a significant impact on the Warao community. The asphalt is a toxic substance that can cause a variety of health problems, including skin irritation, respiratory problems, and cancer. It can also contaminate the water and food sources that the Warao people rely on.

In addition to the health risks, the asphalt pollution also makes it difficult for the Warao people to fish and hunt. The asphalt can coat the fish and animals, making them unsafe to eat. It can also damage the mangrove forests, which are essential for the Warao people's way of life.

The Warao people have been living in the Orinoco Delta for centuries, and they have a deep connection to the land and the water. The asphalt pollution from Lake Guanoco is a serious threat to their culture and way of life.

Here are some specific examples of how the asphalt pollution from Lake Guanoco affects the Warao community:

Health problems: The asphalt is a toxic substance that can cause a variety of health problems, including skin irritation, respiratory problems, and cancer. The Warao people are particularly vulnerable to these health problems because they are exposed to the asphalt on a daily basis.

Food insecurity: The asphalt can contaminate the water and food sources that the Warao people rely on. This can make it difficult for the Warao people to find safe food to eat.

Loss of livelihood: The asphalt pollution can make it difficult for the Warao people to fish and hunt. The asphalt can coat the fish and animals, making them unsafe to eat. It can also damage the mangrove forests, which are essential for the Warao people's way of life.

The Warao people are working to protect their community from the asphalt pollution from Lake Guanoco. They are working to clean up the pollution and to raise awareness of the problem. They are also working to develop sustainable ways of living in harmony with the environment.

It is important to support the Warao people in their efforts to protect their community and their way of life. The Warao people are an important part of the Venezuelan culture and heritage, and it is important to protect their rights and their way of life.