Amazon Frontlines

Type: Nonprofit organization
Location: Ecuadorian Amazon
Focus: Environmental conservation, Indigenous rights
Established: 2011

Amazon Frontlines is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization operating primarily in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It is focused on supporting the Indigenous peoples of the Amazon to protect their lands and achieve environmental impacts of global significance. The organization works closely with Indigenous leaders, communities, and nations to ensure the long-term protection of the Amazon rainforest.

History

Amazon Frontlines was founded in 2011, initially known as ClearWater. The organization began by collaborating with diverse Indigenous peoples and international allies to provide clean water to communities affected by oil contamination in the Amazon headwaters. Over time, it expanded its mission to address broader environmental and social challenges.

Mission

Amazon Frontlines' mission is to build political and cultural power with Indigenous peoples, empower them to protect their territories, and contribute to efforts against the climate crisis. The organization uses a combination of grassroots organizing, advocacy, legal defense, and technology—such as GPS mapping and drone surveillance—to support Indigenous-led conservation efforts.

Partnerships and Impact

Amazon Frontlines works with various stakeholders, including human rights lawyers, environmental activists, and anthropologists. Notably, the organization supported the formation of the Ceibo Alliance, an Indigenous-led non-profit in Ecuador, which involves members of the Kofan, Siona, Secoya, and Waorani peoples. Together, they implement projects designed by Indigenous communities themselves.

Achievements

• Conservation Successes: Amazon Frontlines has contributed to significant conservation achievements, including protecting nearly 300,000 hectares of rainforest from gold mining and oil drilling.
• Legal Precedents: The organization has helped establish legal precedents for Indigenous rights, notably securing Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in Ecuador's Constitution.
• Community Programs: It has supported entrepreneurship training for Indigenous women and expanded access to quality education for Indigenous youth.

Global Impact

Amazon Frontlines' efforts have led to substantial environmental victories, such as stopping oil drilling in Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The organization continues to advocate for Indigenous autonomy and plays a crucial role in global climate initiatives by protecting millions of hectares of forest and promoting sustainable practices.

By uniting international allies with Indigenous peoples, Amazon Frontlines has emerged as a leading voice in environmental conservation and human rights in the Amazon.