The Future is Collective Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 2025

Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance Protecting 86 million acres of bio-culturally rich rainforests on behalf of the planet Background Recent scientific studies have shown that the Amazon rainforest is critical to maintaining the planet’s climatic equilibrium. The Amazon stores over 150 billion tonnes of carbon2 and generates atmospheric vapour that regulates weather and rainfall patterns around the world. Yet, extractive industries in the region are contributing to high rates of deforestation and biodiversity loss that will cause catastrophic global disruption if not reversed. The Ecuadorian and Peruvian governments have so far made insufficient commitments to protect Amazonian resources. The Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance (ASHA) is an Indigenous-led coalition that brings together 30 Indigenous nations residing in the headwaters of the Amazon River. Prior to ASHA’s formation, these nations were fragmented by national borders and exploitation by multinational companies. This initiative marks the first time in history that such a large number of Indigenous nations have come together for a single cause. Since 2017, ASHA has assembled these 30 Indigenous nations represented by 28 member organizations, of which 25 are Indigenous-led, and three non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have been long-term allies. Each of these nations and organizations have their own histories and activities but have agreed to unite in pursuit of a common vision, agenda and activities. Over 3.5 years, ASHA organized a series of workshops which culminated in the publication of the Bioregional Plan, a 166-page summary launched in September 2021, which develops a comprehensive vision for ensuring the protection of the Amazon biome and maintaining the forest cover necessary to preserve the planet’s hydro-climatic system. ASHA and its constituencies are currently in the process of enacting this plan, which calls for a series of pathways that will protect the Amazon as a vital organ of the planet’s biosphere. Headquartered: EcuadorYear founded Regions represented Entity typeGroups assembled Organizations involved Constituents represented Number of employees Budget range01 2017 30 Indigenous nations 28 member organizations of which 25 are Indigenous-led 700,000 Indigenous People residing in the bioregion86 million acres across Ecuador and Peru Originally fiscal sponsored by Pachamama Alliance, now also an independent non-profit organization 13 $2-3full time millionCOLLECTIVE ACTION CASE STUDY 2. Bryce, E. (2023). Why is the Amazon So Important for Climate Change? Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-is-the-amazon-so-important-for-climate-change1/#. The Future is Collective: Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 8