ACONADIYSH, the Indigenous Association of the Yurua River, secures historic funding

From right to left: President of ACONADIYSH, Vice President, Secretary of Records, Secretary of Economy, and members of the Supervisory Council.

For the first time in its 26 years of existence, the Asociación de Comunidades Nativas para el Desarrollo Integral de Yurúa Yono Sharakoiai (ACONADIYSH, its acronym in Spanish) has received its first subsidy, which will be managed directly by the organization.

ACONADIYSH, founded in 1997 in the district of Yurúa, Ucayali, is an indigenous organization representing 26 communities from six indigenous peoples of the Yurúa River basin: Amahuaca, Asháninka, Ashéninka, Chitonahua, Yaminahua, and Yanesha. As a member of the Regional Organization AIDESEP Ucayali (ORAU) and the Asociación Interétnica de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP, its acronym in Spanish), the organization works for the well-being and development of these communities.

The recent subsidy, which will be managed autonomously by ACONADIYSH, will be used for the implementation of the project 'Organizational Strengthening and Infrastructure Improvement of ACONADIYSH 2024', within the framework of the cooperation agreement with Upper Amazon Conservancy (UAC). The funds, wich will be allocated from April to July 2024, will be used to acquire a first aid kit for the office, maintain the building, and purchase a photovoltaic kit, a Starlink antenna, a laptop, a printer, and office supplies, among other necessary resources.

The board has prioritized the repair and improvement of its institutional headquarters, acquiring equipment that will optimize both connectivity and the services provided to its member communities. This achievement is the result of joint efforts between ACONADIYSH and UAC to strengthen the organization for the benefit of the indigenous communities of Yurua.

Alfonso Rengifo, president of ACONADIYSH, stated: "The implementation of these resources is very important for us as it facilitates the management of documents and meetings with the board and communities."

Stany Pérez, secretary of economy of ACONADIYSH, highlighted: "We are grateful for the Starlink antenna, as internet access is important for spreading our identity and allowing others to learn about our problems and needs as a people and community."

This subsidy not only marks a milestone in the history of ACONADIYSH but also reinforces the commitment of UAC and other allied organizations in supporting the long-term development and autonomy of the Yurua communities.