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The project and its challenges
In Sete Estrelas Village, Acre, the Kuntanawa people maintain a deep connection with their traditions and the forest. Amid ongoing external pressures, the community actively pursues self-determination and preservation of its ancestral identity. The lack of a central cultural gathering place and quality drinking water are urgent challenges.
Conexão Ancestral is supporting the Kuntanawa Cultural Centre, a living cultural space comprising a Kupixawa (ceremonial centre) and an autonomous solar-powered drinking water system.
The project is currently at an advanced stage of implementation and needs support and partnerships to complete the remaining work.
Implementation status and project stages
The Kuntanawa community has been actively working with sustainable, low-impact management. All timber used in the project comes exclusively from naturally fallen trees in the forest, respecting natural cycles and the territory.
| Project Stage | Description of Completed / Pending Work | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Procurement of Supplies | Purchase of materials, structural supplies and tools required for the construction work. | Completed |
| Timber Management | Sustainable cutting of naturally fallen trees in the forest, processing into construction pieces, river/land transport and cleaning of the timber. | Completed |
| Kupixawa Structure | Assembly and erection of the main Kupixawa structure (15 metres in diameter). | Completed |
| Roof and Covering | Installation of the roof covering and protection against Amazonian rainfall. | Completed |
| Floor Construction | Construction and finishing of the Kupixawa’s internal floor. | To Be Completed / Support Needed |
| Artesian Well | Drilling of the artesian well and installation of the photovoltaic solar pumping system. | To Be Completed / Support Needed |
| Grandstand Construction | Fabrication and installation of wooden grandstands inside the Kupixawa to accommodate the community. | To Be Completed / Support Needed |
| Side Enclosure | Installation of side enclosure and protection for the Kupixawa structure against the elements. | To Be Completed / Support Needed |
| Painting | Treatment, painting, and protective and aesthetic finishing of the wooden components. | To Be Completed / Support Needed |
Project targets
- 1 Kupixawa measuring 15 metres in diameter: a spacious Ceremonial Centre for rituals, gatherings, assemblies and the teaching of the language and traditional medicines (Structure erected).
- 100% Sustainably Managed Timber: complete reuse of naturally fallen trees.
- 1 Artesian Well (40 m to 80 m deep): drilling to collect drinking water from the productive aquifer (Pending stage).
- One photovoltaic system with a solar pump: solar modules and a high-efficiency Intelbras pump for continuous distribution of clean water.
- 100% reduction in water-related risks: complete mitigation of waterborne infections among children and older residents of the village.
Expected impact
- Cultural strengthening and transmission: a suitable space for teaching the Kuntanawa language, celebrating sacred rituals and songs, and strengthening traditional healing practices.
- Health and quality of life: permanent drinking water access, reducing waterborne disease and relieving the burden of carrying water each day.
- Sustainable income: encouraging production and sale of traditional crafts, art and music, strengthening the local economy.
- Environmental preservation: low-impact ecological management and use of renewable solar energy for water pumping.
How to support completion of this construction
Progress so far demonstrates the commitment and capabilities of the Kuntanawa community. To complete the flooring, artesian well, grandstand, side enclosure, and painting, we need support from institutional partners and individual donors.
Help us finish the Kuntanawa Cultural Centre and secure clean water for Sete Estrelas Village!
