The Ecuadorian Amazon has approximately 1022736 hectares; this biosphere reserve has many more secrets to share. Apart from the ecotourism that takes place within this exuberant area, we can find contacted communities or indigenous peoples (Siona, Kichwau… etc.), which seek sustainable change through tourism. However, this article will focus on the study of uncontacted groups, which also give importance and culture within this ecosystem.
A CULTURE IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION
Under this scenario, throughout the Amazon, there are around 70 uncontacted groups. Specifically in our country, there are 2 group´s of Woarani nationality: Tagaeri and Taromenane, with approximately 50 to 300 people, respectively. They are located in a protected area of Yasuní, which was legalized under a legal framework to protect their rights and guarantee their lives. Now, the case study of these
People isolate and avoid contact to maintain their culture. Many communities sought refuge and secluded themselves from religious and civil contact after the 1972 oil boom. This nomination claimed that their sociocultural reality may lead to demographic and identity assimilation among national communities despite their remoteness.
Considering this, several criteria are established to safeguard the lives of uncontacted communities:
THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL CONSERVATION
The Tagaeri and Taromenane are vital to Ecuador’s cultural variety and environmental health. Ecuador’s identity would be lost if these communities disappeared, as they carry Amazonian vegetation und animals.
THREATS TO VOLUNTARY ISOLATION
One of the threats that communities face is illegal logging, deforestation and mining in the Amazon. All of these factors devastate the natural habitat and put the isolation of these communities at direct risk. Frequently, these industrial interests cross the limits of protected areas, even in the intangible Yasuní region. Which causes the uncontacted to move to other indigenous territories.
These problems related to involuntary contact with external individuals could put these groups at risk for immune diseases. Additionally, disputes have arisen between isolated communities and other jungle residents, usually linked to the use of natural resources.
UNCONTACTED PEOPLES IN THE AMAZON
It is crucial to raise awareness about the situation of these groups and support initiatives that promote their protection based on a participatory process. In order to preserve these unique ecosystems and protect their cultures, which depend on them.
