WATER FOR THE MATSES

I recently had the opportunity to live among and learn from the Matses group of the Peruvian Amazon. There, I was trained with Kambo  and I had the chance to learn about their fascinating culture and wisdom. The Matses are considered to be clever hunters and fishermen and amazing warriors who live a genuine lifestyle with vibrant folk medicine.  They live on the Amazon between Peru and Brazil, and their culture is built on the river. Saddly, they are now facing serious problems with contamination of the land they have always called home and the water they have always relied on; mining, oil drilling, and illegal lodging have polluted their water, causing serious illness among many families living along the river banks.

I am so deeply appreciative of the vast knowledge these gentle, colorful people have shared with me.
It is now time for me to give back.

The Matses hold an abundant understanding of medicinal plants and their frog medicine, Kambo.
Kambo is an outstanding example of a natural, instant vaccine and powerful detox. They have even overcome several bouts of Malaria.  So, why are these people getting sicker and weaker? They were once the strongest, most charismatic group in their region! What happened?


Due to the rising presence of heavy metals and pollutants in the water they drink, they are no longer able to receive the full-spectrum benefits  of Kambo. The illnesses they are facing now are robust, industrial diseases and sicknesses that the natural world is not equipped to combat.  In this case, pregnant women and children are particularly affected.
The industrial world  has created this problem, and this indigenous culture cannot fight it. We can help.


I have found that the easiest way for providing them with a clean water system is to implement rainwater catchers, harnessing the abundant supply of rainwater in the Amazon. The water system would not require a lot of maintenance, not even an impressive amount of money. Especially important, it will only require several weeks to be installed and operate with the cooperation of the more than 8 families living here, in the area called 'Tierra Primavera', the Spring Land.
To guarantee them a continuos and manageable source of fresh water is also the best way to ensure the Matses land security so they will not be forced to not retreat from their lands. Furthermore, they will learn directly how to build and maintain this simple water system, so as to inform and train other groups living in the region.



Below is an approximation of the costs, which can be summarized as follows:

- 2 water tanks 1200L each..........600 €
-pipes, connectors and plumbing..........400 €
-transportation of the material (boat, gasoline)..........500 €
-2 water pumps..........500 €
-raw material for structures and filtering..........650 €
-additional expenses..........350 €
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TOTAL COST: 3000 €

I will buy all of the necessary materials in Peru, using Soles as a currency, in order to lower the costs. I will purchasing the necessary tools at the closest town (Iquitos) and employ local workers.



Who will turn your donations into clean water for the Matses?  Elisa Fusi.

Elisa is an Italian molecular biologist with a research focus on human pathology, mycology, neuroscience and ecology.  Her education in folk medicine began very early in life, and she continued to pursue it further by attending school for herbal medicine in London. She continued to work in laboratories throughout Europe, Madagascar, and Cambodia. It was during her travels that she began an ongoing investigation into folk medicine, ancestral rituals, and indigenous culture all over the world.

She studied and lived with different ethnic groups like the Malagasy and Merina of Madagascar, the Kunas and Naso of Panama, the Quillacinga of Colombia, the Q’eqchí and other Mayan groups of Guatemala, the Mazatecs and Mixtecs people of Mexico, the Kichwas of Ecuador and the Shipibo Conibo of Peru. She later obtained a diploma in Mayan Medicine issued by the Mayan Medicine Institute of Guatemala with the licensing to teach this ancient Mayan knowledge.

She was recently trained in Kambo by the Matses  people,  meanwhile promoting several initiatives for protecting the rights of the land and the people of the Amazonian basin.

After a near-death experience her quest for a more complete understanding of human consciousness became stronger. She founded an environmental organization called YouAreHome and later in 2012 she created Alquimia, an educational Centre and intentional space for promoting alternative teachings on herbalism, shamanism and alchemy.

With an active team of volunteers and teachers, she moved to Portugal where she began a project for  promoting re-forestation and conservation projects in Eurasia.

                                                           I look forward to see the Matses gain back their strength and joy.
                                                                                                                                 Thank you for your contribution!