Empowering the future: Preserving Kichwa traditions for sustainable living in Ecuador’s Amazon

Amazonian Kichwas are a grouping of indigenous Kichwa peoples in the Ecuadorian Amazon. An experiential learning space for a Kichwa community has been created in the village of Dahuano, next to the Sumaco-Napo Galeras Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2000, to foster a deep appreciation for nature, traditions, and sustainable practices. 

Weekly workshops and reading clubs are organized, to help teachers and students, and the wider Kichwa community, to develop the ability to actively think of solutions and put them into practice. These sessions cover key sustainability topics such as climate change, food resilience, and traditional Amazonian ingredients, allowing children to rediscover their food heritage through hands-on activities like local food tasting sessions.

Lucia Chavez, a passionate and dedicated teacher, moved to the region four years ago, and joined the initiative to support the community through this educational journey.

Some people think of the Amazon as a savage, pristine, dangerous place where nothing happens, forgetting that our communities have existed here for thousands of years. We’ve developed technologies and ways of life that have sustained us for centuries. As Kichwa, we want to bring those traditions back and teach our children to be proud of their heritage.  - states Lucia powerfully

The learning space provides local children and adults with opportunities to develop resilience and to creatively adapt to environmental challenges, while preserving and nurturing their cultural identities and knowledge that have helped indigenous communities like the Kichwa thrive for generations.

Chontacuro (edible insects) used to be an essential part of our diet. Now, with crop shortages and environmental challenges, we are able to reconnect with our traditions. Chontacuro are a good source of protein, and it’s crucial to rediscover these local ingredients. - explains Lucia

Lucia’s approach to education goes beyond simply sharing knowledge; it involves empowering children to express themselves and gain confidence in doing so. 

Lucia asked: “What does the sun bring when it starts to shine?”  

“It brings warmth for the yucca to sow. It brings the parrot that starts to sing. Sweeten the cocoa so we can harvest. Bring the jaguar that begins to stalk. Bring light to jungle that begins to shine,” the children answered. 

“What if the heat doesn’t want to stop?” Lucia asked as a second question. 

“The water starts to dry up. The trees are going to drown. The jungle starts to wither. The animals have to go away. The birds can’t nest. The fish are looking for a home.”  

Finally, Lucia asked: “What can we do to help?” 

“Plant trees and carbon trapping. Take care of water, don’t waste. Reduce fire and reforest. Raise awareness for change to achieve a green future,”  the children replied.

This is an extract from one of the lessons of Lucia on the paramount importance of protecting the planet and taking care of its resources.   

The learning space developed within this Kichwa community is a compelling example of how environmental education is taught outside of schools, by developing practical learning activities for children and by exposing them to lifelong learning that goes beyond simple lectures. 

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Through the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 framework and roadmap), UNESCO urges and supports member states to develop multi-stakeholder ESD country initiatives to strengthen and mainstream ESD in their education systems to achieve all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNESCO supports our member states and partners in these initiatives through technical guidance, capacity building and trainings, and knowledge sharing and awareness. These ESD spotlight stories highlight the efforts from our member states and partners to bring their ESD country initiatives to life and to contextualize the concepts of ESD through concrete, tangible and human stories.