| Popis: |
This report focuses on six indigenous groups in countries across Latin America. The overarching interest of our research is on the ways that indigenous populations coexist harmoniously with nature, by respecting natural resources and the environment as part of their heritage of ancient cultures and lands. We selected six indigenous led social enterprises that illustrate how this respect for nature can be coupled with a different approach to development that simultaneously protects indigenous communities and their well-being. The lens through which we approach our analysis is the doctrine of Buen Vivir, which implies a holistic approach to living well—in harmony with nature, ensuring that everyone in the community is looked after and no one suffers from hardship. Each community operates their enterprise to benefit every member, including by reinvesting profits back into the communities. We find that these enterprises are very promising for protecting indigenous lands and traditions, while keeping out external enterprises keen on exploiting natural resources, while also offering alternatives to neoliberal forms of development. Our analysis reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of these social enterprises within the approach to Buen Vivir. |
