Stand with William: Defend Shuar Lands (Amazon Rainforest)

My name is John Rosser, Founder of Sustainatopia and President of 2050 Advisors.

As some of you may be aware, for many months I have been helping an Indigenous (Native) Tribe in the Amazon called the Shuar to protect their ancestral homeland.

The Shuar are a native, ethnic group that inhabits the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazonia. They are famous for their hunting skills and being fierce warriors. Known as the Indomitable Ones, they are reputed to being the only tribe in the Americas that have never been conquered.

The Shuar continue to diligently perform their role as Guardians of the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador- a role which they have been doing for thousands of years. They perform this role not only for economic reasons, but also out of love and deep spiritual connection to the Rainforest and the nature around it. The Shuar have been working endlessly for thousands of years to protect it.

The leader with whom we work with, William, does not want to see even one single tree be cut down. He wants all decisions made for his people based on what is best for at least 3 generations.

In his regular duties, William must travel and domicile across different parts of Ecuador to continue this fight on behalf of his People. Sometimes he must walk for days to get from one village to the next. Only someone with huge love in their heart could fulfill such a difficult task, day after day.

I am truly humbled by his commitment to conserve the nature and the biodiversity in which he and his people live.

I am proud to consider William my friend.

We (in the United States, in Europe), should be thoroughly grateful for the contribution of the Shuar and leaders like William- simply because their stewardship of the Amazon Rainforest is indispensable in saving our (collective) planet from the ravages of Climate Change.

However, the Shuar have been increasingly encountering a Western world encroaching on their paradise. Serious effects from Climate Change (including historic drought), illegal gold mining, and illegal logging have created the biggest existential threat to the Shuar in their long history, including a lack of income and educational opportunities.

WATER INSECURITY: Rivers in much of the Shuar Territory are estimated to be 70% contaminated or more due to encroachment, including mercury from illegal mining. The Shuar rely largely on river water for their entire supply.

FOOD INSECURITY: There is a significant number of Shuar surviving on just one bowl of white rice a day, as nature's bounty has been reduced.

ILLEGAL ENCROACHMENT ON NATIVE LANDS: This has led to degradation of forests, degradation of agriculture lands, as well as security and other issues.

These are all areas in which myself and others are actively trying to help the Shuar, and efforts to create a more sustainable future for the Schuar are indeed underway. But sustainable solutions take time.

However, in the meantime there is a near-term and urgent need to help William so that he can continue with his fine work uninterrupted. Without immediate assistance, much of his fine work could become undone.

So, thank you sincerely if you can contribute in our efforts to help the Shuar defend their native lands via William's hard work.

All monies raised will transferred directly to the Shuar leader William (outside Gofundme fees). Whatever you are able to contribute will be much appreciated, and a sincere thank you for your consideration.

-- John Rosser, Sustainatopia + 2050 Advisors