What does it mean to build peace from the heart of the Colombian Amazon? In a region scarred by decades of armed conflict, a grassroots movement led by women is redefining what peace means for communities through socio-ecological actions. The organisation called Asociación de Mujeres Productoras de Esencias de Paz – ASMUPROPAZ (Association of Women Producers of Peace Essences), based in the municipality of La Montañita in Caquetá, exemplifies an innovative approach to the reintegration of ex-combatants from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) linked to environmental sustainability. This process of inclusion and social change with an eco-dimension is a powerful example of how local initiatives with a gendered approach can contribute to both community healing and environmental preservation.
The Long Road to Peace in Colombia
Colombia’s peace process, which formally began with the signing of the peace agreement between the government and FARC in 2016, marked the end of over six decades of conflict. This conflict had left deep wounds, with millions displaced, thousands disappeared, and entire communities devastated. As the country embarked on a path towards reconciliation, the reintegration of former combatants became a critical and complex challenge.
The Colombian government, with the support of international organisations, has implemented various Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) programmes to assist ex-combatants in their transition to civilian life. These programmes provide former fighters with education, vocational training, and psychological support, alongside efforts to foster social cohesion within local communities. However, beyond these state-led efforts, grassroots initiatives like ASMUPROPAZ have emerged, offering more holistic and contextually grounded solutions.
Grassroots Initiatives as Catalysts for Change and Eco-Peacebuilding
Founded in 2017 by former FARC combatants, ASMUPROPAZ stands out not only for its commitment to the reintegration of ex-combatants but also for its focus on environmental conservation. This dual mission is deeply rooted in the understanding that social and ecological healing are interconnected, a concept encapsulated in the term Eco-Peace Nexus.
ASMUPROPAZ began as a small group of women from the Hector Ramirez Territorial Training and Reincorporation Space (ETCR), one of the camps established across Colombia for ex-combatants. Over time, it has grown into a vibrant community organisation with more than 40 members, including a few men. Their work is varied but centres on the idea that sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship are essential for both personal and communal transformation.
“Our journey from combatants to conservationists is a testament to the power of transformation”, recalled Sandra Rojas, one of the founder members of ASMUPROPAZ. “By focusing on sustainable practices, we’re not only rebuilding our lives but also protecting the environment we once fought in. At the end of the day, it is about finding that balance between personal growth and ecological stewardship”.
At the core of ASMUPROPAZ’s efforts is an education and training programme that equips ex-combatants with the skills needed for sustainable development. This includes literacy programmes, vocational courses, and technical training focused on agriculture and environmental management. By providing these opportunities, ASMUPROPAZ empowers its members to build sustainable livelihoods that also contribute to the conservation of the Amazon rainforest.
The organisation’s projects include sustainable farming, reforestation efforts, and the production of natural and plant-based products. These initiatives not only offer economic independence to former fighters but also address the broader environmental challenges facing the region. By engaging in ecological restoration and sustainable agricultural practices, ASMUPROPAZ members are actively rebuilding the ecosystems that were often damaged during the conflict.
Socio-Ecological Development and Community Engagement
ASMUPROPAZ also plays a crucial role in fostering social cohesion within the local community. Through its socio-ecological projects, the organisation encourages gender-based participation and collaboration between ex-combatants and local residents of all ages, strengthening networks of social solidarity by breaking down barriers and building trust. By involving the community in environmental initiatives, such as the protection of natural reserves and clean water sources, ASMUPROPAZ facilitates a shared sense of purpose and mutual respect.
“Our main aim”, said Marta García, another core member of ASMUPROPAZ “is to create a community where everyone, whether ex-combatant or local resident, feels connected through a common goal. By working together on environmental projects, we’re building bridges that foster trust and cooperation”.
The organisation’s cultural initiatives further enhance this integration. ASMUPROPAZ organises events that blend local traditions with environmental awareness, promoting unity and understanding among diverse groups. These activities not only celebrate the region’s cultural heritage but also highlight the importance of environmental stewardship in the post-conflict recovery process.
“We believe that by bringing people together to protect our natural resources, we’re not just conserving the environment but also healing the social fabric of our community”, Marta García explained. “These projects give us all a shared purpose, helping to erase the divisions left by years of conflict”, Marta remarked.
The Eco-Peace Nexus: A Framework for Sustainable Peace
The concept of the Eco-Peace Nexus refers to the interconnected relationship between environmental protection, community development, quality of life, ex-combatant reintegration, and peace promotion. This framework embodied within ASMUPROPAZ recognises that environmental sustainability can be a powerful tool for fostering long-term peace, while also acknowledging that peacebuilding efforts must consider the socio-ecological contexts in which they are embedded.
Carolina Aldana, 17, and one of the youngest members of ASMUPROPAZ, expressed that “our work shows how caring for the environment can bring people together and create lasting peace. By protecting the land, we all depend on, we’re also building a future where former combatants and the community can thrive side by side”.
“For us, this project isn’t just an idea; it’s something we live every day” said Carolina. “By focusing on both the environment and our community, we’re creating a stronger foundation for peace, where everyone has a role in protecting and rebuilding our home”, Carolina stated.
The Eco-Peace Nexus suggests that addressing environmental challenges—such as deforestation, water scarcity, and land degradation—can prevent conflicts and support the reintegration of ex-combatants. In the case of ASMUPROPAZ, this approach has proven effective in creating a sustainable and inclusive path towards peace.
Peace is Our Nature
The experience of ASMUPROPAZ offers valuable lessons for peacebuilding in other conflict-affected regions. By integrating environmental sustainability into the reintegration process, gender-sensitive grassroots initiatives can address the root causes of conflict, promote social cohesion, and contribute to the long-term stability of communities.
In a world where the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are increasingly linked to social unrest and conflict, the Eco-Peace Nexus provides a compelling model for holistic peacebuilding. ASMUPROPAZ’s journey shows that peace is not just the absence of violence but the presence of sustainable livelihoods, healthy ecosystems, and empowered communities.
As Colombia continues to navigate the complexities of post-conflict recovery, this women-led social organisation stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of grassroots action in healing both people and the planet.
This article is a summary of a research article titled “Exploring the Eco-Peace Nexus with ASMUPROPAZ: between socio-ecological practices and the reintegration process of ex-combatants in the Colombian Amazon,” published in June 2024.
