About Us
Grassroots: Sovereignty, Memory and Collective Preservation
We acknowledge the varied impact of colonialism in each territory. Thus, we define Grassroots Peoples as communities that maintain a deep, spiritual connection to nature and their ancestral lands. This relationship is a living system of knowledge evident in their daily practices and governance. Our work aims to decolonize the imposed images and identities of these communities
First Nations and Indigenous Peoples
They are the First Nations who have inhabited these territories since time immemorial. Guardians of original knowledge systems, rainforests, mountains, and oceans, they represent the historical continuity of resistance and possess the traditional governance frameworks essential for guiding global climate adaptation.
The Sixth Region: descendants from African Kingdoms and Indigenous Nations
Communities descended from the African kingdoms and indigenous peoples who directly suffered the scourge of enslavement and colonial displacement. Despite historical attempts to erase their identity, these communities rebuilt their spiritual, cultural, and territorial fabric in across the world, maintaining a profound relationship of coexistence with the marine, coastal, river and ecosystems they inhabit today.
Communities in Revitalizing Collective Memory
We recognize with particular importance the peoples and communities that are currently engaged in an active process of reconstructing, healing, and revitalizing their historical memory and traditional knowledge. These are communities that, after the fragmenting impact of colonialism and extractivism, are reaffirming their right to reconnect with their roots, restore their ancestral heritage, and autonomously rebuild their spiritual relationship with the land.
THE CORE OF OUR STRATEGY
What do we actually mean when we discuss the concept of glocalization and its implications in today's interconnected world?
Glocalization: Our work emphasizes the concept of glocalization, meticulously connecting and harmonizing global conservation efforts with the unique needs, aspirations, and wisdom of diverse local territories around the world. We are passionate champions of biodiversity in all its forms, actively working to protect and preserve fresh waters, seas, oceans, majestic mountains, and vast deserts, while celebrating life in all its splendor and diversity. Recognizing the urgent need for comprehensive climate mitigation strategies, we are dedicated to working tirelessly to preserve natural sanctuaries and foster sustainable development practices for a healthier, more resilient planet for present and future generations
Healing the earth together
Bridging ancient wisdom and modern action to protect our shared home.
Ancestral Politics for Life
Positioning new politics ways & South-South Cooperation for apply the climate adaption and the biodiversity conservation fro the perspective and the origin law of the First Nations (indigenous communities, including the african diaspora).
Gender Justice & Intersectionallity
Providing and improving access for the justice and the peace with gender equity and intersectionality focus those are important challenges inside of the first nations communities for accomplish before the solution of the climate crises
Decolonial Education & Arts
Helping children and youth in times of crisis, such a risk of sexual assault, conflict, and others through the tools of a decolonial education and arts in aspects as sexual rights, access to the justice for children and youth, self care and other.
Our reach and impact
Supporting grassroots communities: Indigenous, African descendants & in process of revitalize memory through land stewardship, sustainable education, and diplomatic initiatives.
- 10 DepartmentsFrom Colombia impacted through direct operational deployment and actions in ethnic communities.
- 3 ContinentsCommunities connected for global solidarity action territorial articulation and co-creation.
- +6'000.000 HectaresOf protected areas, directly impacting ancestral territories and preserving vital rainforests, freshwaters, ocean, paramounts and other ecosystems.
- +165.000 Square kilometersDesignated as Biocultural Reserve, focusing on vulnerable and high-potential clean energy & critical minerals areas.
Our Dedicated Team
Meet the individuals driving our mission to protect the environment and connect communities.
- Aura BalantaCo Funder & PresidentAn Afro-Colombian, rematried in Ghana, educator, and documentarist focused on public policies and gender equity. Leads executive strategy and strategic relationships
- David LautaroCo Funder & VicepresidentSpecializes in South Epistemologies in strategies and community engagement. Leads the financing of the projects and advocacy efforts
- Leonardo CortesAccounting and Tax AdvisorCertified Public Accountant for 26 years, but with 37 years of experience in the accounting and tax area, currently advise the GGGMM Foundation in the tax & accounting area.
- Sara CaicedoMedia & CommunicationsI consider myself a developing artist with a passion for creativity and innovation. student of the program of Visual Arts of University UNAD (Colombia), passionate about art, soccer, photography, and video making.
- Oscar EscobarLogistic & Safety OfficerLogistics and Safety Officer for our regional operations, fully accredited in first aid and committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency within our team
