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Emergency context
The Yawanawá people, guardians of the forest in Acre, faced one of the largest and most severe floods recorded in the Gregório River Indigenous Territory. What should have been the dry season became an unusual and devastating flood, directly affecting all 18 villages.
“We are experiencing one of the greatest floods our people have ever known.” — Chief Nixiwaka Biraci Yawanawá.
In response to the emergency and loss of basic means of subsistence, Conexão Ancestral, MS Lumiar and Yawanawá leaders mobilised the SOS Yawanawá campaign. The campaign was successfully completed, with 100% of funds raised delivered directly to Indigenous leaders for the reconstruction plan defined by the community itself.
Impact and quantitative metrics of the emergency response
- 18 villages supported: relief and logistical support covering every affected village along the Gregório River.
- 100% of funds transferred: the full amount raised was delivered directly to Yawanawá community management.
- 5 priority reconstruction areas: food security, shelter, water systems, logistics/transport and solar energy.
- Three-Way Management Alliance: a transparent partnership between Conexão Ancestral, MS Lumiar and Yawanawá leaders.
Assessment of damage and areas addressed
| Area Affected by the Flood | Description of Impacts on the Community | Reconstruction Actions Enabled |
|---|---|---|
| Food Security | Destruction of essential crops and fields (cassava, maize and bananas) and loss of small livestock (chickens, ducks and pigs). | Emergency purchase of food supplies and materials for subsistence planting. |
| Drinking Water and Health | Complete contamination of the usual drinking water sources by muddy water and flood debris. | Restoration of clean drinking water sources and mitigation of waterborne diseases. |
| River Mobility and Logistics | Destruction and loss of boats and engines essential for community transport and emergency travel. | Repair and purchase of navigation equipment to restore the local fleet. |
| Infrastructure and Energy | Severe damage to homes and loss of village solar energy collection systems. | Reconstruction of housing structures and replacement of solar equipment. |
Consolidated results
- Community autonomy and management: decisions and resource priorities established by Yawanawá leaders themselves, respecting the people’s internal organisation.
- Food and water relief: immediate assistance to reduce food insecurity and provide drinking water in all 18 villages.
- River transport recovery: restoration of transport in a territory where the river is the only mobility route for healthcare and supplies.
- Global solidarity and ancestral preservation: connection between civil society and the guardians of the Amazon to restore their traditional way of life.
