Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana

Extractivism represents a constant threat to the Kukama territory in Peru and the loss of the Kukama peoples’ cultural identity.

The Kukama people conceive of the territory as a whole and women having an intrinsic connection to it. The term “kukama” for example is composed of two words: “ku” meaning ‘field’ and “kama” meaning ‘bosom,’ and it signifies ‘field-bosom’ or ‘nourished by the field.’ Given the Kukama peoples’ lives are reliant on the forest ecosystems of the lower basin of the Marañón River, and considering how they have adapted and coexisted with them for decades, the territory and the rivers are inseparable from their culture and way of life. They consider the rivers to be living beings with spirits, and therefore sacred.

Founded in 2001, Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana embarked on a long journey of collective actions, protests, and mobilisations in pursuit of environmental justice as the river’s health declined as a result of extractive industries.

In September 2021 Huaynakana filed a constitutional lawsuit to urge Peru to recognise the Marañón River as a living being and subject of rights. In March 2024, the provincial court of Nauta ruled that the Marañón River has intrinsic rights, including the right to flow, to be free from pollution, and to be restored to environmental health. This decision also recognised Indigenous communities as the river’s legal representatives, defenders, and guardians. This landmark ruling was ratified by the higher court last November.

Huaynakana plays a key role in defending the Marañón’s rights and supporting the regeneration and conservation of the waterways through reforestation efforts because without the river, these unique forests cannot exist.

  • Community, Ecosystems, Landscapes, Water
  • 2025
  • Established Projects
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Photo: Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana

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