Indigenous organizations in Colombia have long advocated for the formalization of territorial entities mandated by the 1991 Constitution. These entities are designed to provide political, legal, and administrative autonomy to indigenous communities, similar to the governance structures in over 1,100 municipalities and 32 departments across the country. The newly recognized authority is expected to empower 115 indigenous communities to manage their natural resources and protect the Amazon, which covers 44% of Colombia’s territorial surface.

“The decree defines indigenous authorities as environmental authorities for their populations and territories,” said Environment Minister Susana Muhamad. “These communities will exercise governance based on their ancestral knowledge and practices.”

Under the decree, indigenous peoples will have sovereignty over their lands, enabling them to formulate rules for the management and conservation of their ecosystems, plan budgets, and make decisions regarding land use. The specifics, however, of how these powers will be exercised remain unclear.