Description
Today, this term is also used to describe non-indigenous partners, revealing the importance for the indigenous communities of the widening of the network for the exchange of knowledge.
Iepé is a non profit-making organization created to meet indigenous demands for education and training and to strengthen community and collective forms of management. It seeks to contribute to the cultural and political strengthening and the sustainable development of the indigenous communities of Amapá and Northern Pará (Brazil).
The work of Iepé will concentrate initially on this region, known as Guiana Brasileira, where the founding members of the organization have a wide knowledge base gathered during many years of professional experience working in the area.
Iepé strengthens and offers assistance to local communities, whether or not they are represented by indigenous organizations, and supports projects authored by and/or in the interests of the Indians. Iepé's principal aim is to encourage and consolidate autonomous communication between specific indigenous communities and the different groups and associations active in the region, assisting the communities in finding ways to defend their interests in the face of the challenges brought by these groups.
Scale: Regional
Type: Conservation and development
Focus: Sustainable use
Strategies: Capacity building
Categories
Educational / Training Body
Indigenous Peoples' Organisation
Non Governmental Organisation