Indigenous and Community Economics of Mesoamerica

In Mesoamerica, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities have cultivated, over generations, an economy that reflects our commitment to sustainability, reciprocity and care for our commons. These practices include sustainable food production, forest and wildlife conservation, and systems of exchange that respect nature while promoting our collective well-being.

The Indigenous and Community Economics Group in Mesoamerica, part of our Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests, works to make these practices visible and strengthen them as a viable alternative to the conventional development model. Through dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration, this group promotes an economic approach that respects our cultural diversity, promotes self-determination and seeks to live in harmony with nature.

However, the indigenous and community economy faces significant challenges, such as the advance of monocultures, transgenic crops, territorial dispossession, mining, megaprojects and other external pressures that threaten its fundamental principles of sustainability.

Objectives

Promote the recognition of the indigenous and community economy from our own perspective.
Present it as a sustainable and equitable economic model that empowers both women and men.
Share knowledge and experiences to strengthen these practices in the region.

Fundamental Principles

Promote the recognition of the indigenous and community economy from our own perspective.
Present it as a sustainable and equitable economic model that empowers both women and men.
Share knowledge and experiences to strengthen these practices in the region.

The Indigenous and Community Economy Group brings together various organizations that represent the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities of the region, among which the following stand out:

Bribri and Cabécar Indigenous Network (RIBCA) - Costa Rica
Mexican Network of Peasant Forestry Organizations (MOCAF Network) - Mexico
INHWANKA RAYA Organization - Nicaragua
General Guna Congress - Panama
Federation of Agroforestry Producers (FEPROAH) - Honduras
Utz Che' Community Forestry Association - Guatemala
Association of Forestry Communities of Petén (ACOFOP) - Guatemala
Muskitia Asla Takanka Association (MASTA) - Honduras

In addition, they collaborate with partners such as SUCO, FSC-IF, Grupo de Promoción Agroecológica (GPAE) and Fondo Agroecológico para la Península de Yucatán (FAPY).

Together, these organizations promote actions that strengthen the indigenous and community economy as a model of resilience and sustainability in Mesoamerica.

Systematization Document

The organizations of the Indigenous and Community Economy Group in Mesoamerica joined forces to create a document that systematizes their experiences and knowledge. This work establishes a common agenda to revitalize and strengthen the productive and economic systems of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.