News & stories

Latin America is home to around 800 Indigenous Peoples, with an estimated population of nearly 58 million people. Today, many of them are facing the direct consequences of deforestation and climate change, which threaten their territories and livelihoods.

Community based early warning systems are widely used to extend the coverage provided at a national level. However, in low to middle income countries, budgets are often limited, which has led to the search for low-cost alternatives employing some of the latest technologies.

A teacher, leader, and the first woman to serve as waisam (vice-president in Awajun) of the Awajun Autonomous Territorial Government (GTAA), Matut Impi is championing the role of women in indigenous governance and decision-making.

Critical work in Peru and Ecuador will help nearly a third of a million people live sustainably, protect millions of hectares of pristine land and maintain vital biodiversity.

In June 2023, we started an important project in Peru to handle climate risks and improve farming in Cajamarca, Lambayeque, and La Libertad. Backed by BHA/USAID, this two-year project focuses on making communities and local governments stronger in facing natural hazards. 

Practical Action will attend three events in Latin America this October that will contribute to the discussion and decisions to be made at COP28. We’ll share our experience centring community participation and leadership to address climate change, poverty, and inequality.

The Amazon Summit brought together representatives from 8 countries to promote joint actions to take in the face of climate change. It included the protection of human rights and forests, as well as the development of local economies. Here, we review its importance and the potential for regional collaboration.

A belief that was central to the philosophy of our founder E.F. ‘Fritz’ Schumacher is that big change must start small to work for those who need it. This philosophy is as relevant now as when Fritz was working.

Practical Action has been working with smallholder farmers for over five decades. Smallholder farmers are crucial to food security and thriving rural economies - but make up three quarters of the world's poorest people - so fundamental changes are needed.