Keeling Curve

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The Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute is indigenous-led and managed. Founded by Asháninka leader Benki Piyãko, who has always welcomed members of the local society into his projects, he has provided BIPOC people the opportunity to learn techniques such as agroforestry, fish farming and animal husbandry. Benki’s practices are informed by the successful strategies implemented by the Asháninka people (with a population of 125,000, it is one of the largest indigenous nations in Latin America). 

Through Benki’s leadership, the YTI has supported indigenous peoples to recover their cultural heritage, teaching them how to build self-sustaining community structures to better resist external economic pressures through sustainable development initiatives focused on agroforestry and species management and restoration.

The Institute is committed to inclusivity in terms of gender, age and educational background, ensuring that everyone is welcome to participate. The permanent staff and management team ranges in age from 18 to 65 years old, its composition is 45% women, 95% BIPOC (with 50% indigenous), and 95% who did not receive a formal education. Our advisory board also has a 50-50 gender balance.

Website:

https://yorenkatasorentsi.org/

Mission Statement:

The Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute (YTI) is an indigenous-led community focused on nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. We’re a worldwide model for ecosystem restoration and preservation. The Institute is led by Benki Piyãko, political and spiritual leader for the Asháninka, and for Indigenous Peoples throughout Latin America.

Link: Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/benkiashaninka

Link: Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/yorenka.tasorentsi/

Link: LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/yorenka-tasorentsi-institute/about/