Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Ñuiyañni is not just a place—it is a living project rooted in the principles of ecological restoration, cultural revival, and the Rights of Nature. This initiative is a unique collaboration between a local family and Kogui authorities, aiming to restore balance between humans and the natural world while creating a living space that harmonizes with its surroundings.
At the heart of this project is the family of Amelia, León, and Juan, who, for the past four years, have called this territory home. Two years ago, they embraced the role of stewards of the land, with a vision to make Nuiyanni a center for biocultural knowledge and restoration.
Amelia, a dedicated advocate for the Rights of Nature, brings her expertise as a lawyer. Having worked with various rural and indigenous communities across Colombia, she has spent years fighting for the legal recognition of nature’s inherent rights. Her work emphasizes the interdependence of people, land, and biodiversity, striving to empower communities to protect and live in harmony with their territories.
Her son, León, brings his youthful energy and passion for the natural world to the project. An avid birdwatcher, León has developed a deep connection with the local wildlife, especially the birds that thrive in the biodiverse ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. With his binoculars always at hand, León often spots rare species, sharing his enthusiasm with friends and visitors and contributing to a deeper understanding of the region’s rich avian life. He plays guitar and compose his music that echoes the sounds of nature, further connecting him to the land.
Juan, an architect with a specialization in bioclimatic design and sustainable construction, complements this vision by applying his expertise to create buildings that coexist with the environment. He has worked extensively with rural communities to develop housing, community structures, and essential infrastructure that respect both cultural practices and environmental needs.
Together, they are guided by Jate José Dingula and Jaba Petronila, traditional Kogui authorities who offer wisdom and guidance to ensure the cultural integrity and ecological balance of Nuiyanni. Their role is fundamental, as they oversee the family’s work and help align the project with the broader goals of the Kogui people to protect Mother Earth and strengthen their territorial processes.
Nuiyanni is more than a project; it is a living embodiment of the Rights of Nature and a beacon for restoration in the Sierra Nevada. It provides a space where human activity contributes positively to the land, honoring indigenous knowledge and promoting biodiversity conservation.
For visitors, Nuiyanni offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Sierra Nevada while learning about biocultural restoration. Whether participating in ecological projects, exploring the flora and fauna through León’s birdwatching tours, or witnessing sustainable architecture in practice, each visit is a step towards understanding and supporting the intricate web of life that this land sustains.
El equipo del proyecto lo conforma nuestra familia y una pareja (mamo y jaba) de autoridades tradicionales del pueblo Kogui que nos orientan y dan consejo. Amelia (la madre), León (el hijo) y Juan (el padre) somos una familia que desde hace 4 años habitamos en el territorio de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta y que en los últimos dos años hemos asumido el cuidado de esta porción de terreno en donde queremos que Ñuiyanñi sea una realidad.
Amelia la mamá se formó y ha ejercido como abogada trabajando temas asociados al territorio, a la cultura y al ambiente con diversas comunidades campesinas e indígenas en varios territorios de Colombia, León nuestro hijo va a la escuela, toca la guitarra, compone canciones y disfruta de la naturaleza y los animales, sobre todo los pájaros. Juan es arquitecto con especialidad en bioclimática y construcción sostenible y ha trabajado con varias comunidades rurales en el país construyendo viviendas, edificios comunitarios e infraestructuras para agua y saneamiento, además de haber sido profesor universitario.
El Jate José Dingula y la Jaba Petronila nos guían y acompañan como familia y orientan nuestro trabajo de apoyo al pueblo Kogui para el cuidado de la Madre y el fortalecimiento de sus procesos territoriales.