Photo: Scenes from the signing of decrees in Colombia that formally recognize eight Indigenous Territorial Entities. Courtesy of Gaia Amazonas.
July 20, 2026
Indigenous Territorial Entities May Be at Risk Under New Colombian Government
For Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon, the formal recognition of Indigenous Territorial Entities (ETIs) represents more than a historic milestone – it is the overdue fulfillment of a constitutional promise made more than three decades ago.
Although Colombia’s 1991 Constitution recognized Indigenous territorial rights, autonomy and self-government, successive governments failed to fully implement these provisions, leaving Indigenous Peoples in a prolonged state of legal uncertainty. The designation of ETIs begins to address this historic debt, finally giving practical effect to rights that had long existed on paper. Yet following the nation’s recent presidential election, concerns remain that this long-delayed progress — and the protections it provides for Indigenous lands, waters and governance — could once again face uncertainty.
Today, 25 Indigenous Territories are pursuing formal recognition as Indigenous Territorial Entities. Together, they comprise 36% of the Colombian Amazon and are critical to its conservation – maintaining 99.5% of their natural cover intact. As of 2023, their forests represented 41% of all forests in the Colombian Amazon, according Nia Tero partner, the GAIA Amazonas Foundation.
In December 2025, the first eight ETIs, covering over 7 million hectares, were recognized by a decree signed by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who leaves office in August 2026. Close allies to Abelardo de la Espriella, Petro’s successor, have signaled that those decrees could soon be modified or repealed.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in Colombia alongside our Indigenous partners and allies. This is a hard-fought milestone in the struggle for Indigenous rights,” said Joel Cerda (Kichwa), Nia Tero’s Andes Amazon Lead. “To be formally recognized as an Indigenous Territorial Entity marks a defining step for Indigenous self-determination, recognizing Indigenous peoples’ authority to govern their ancestral territories and secure their future for generations to come.”
Why are Indigenous Territorial Entities in Colombia Important?
- ETI designations allow Indigenous territories to operate as subnational local governments with the same political, administrative and fiscal authority as a municipality or department.
- ETIs strengthen Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination by recognizing their own form of governance, grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems of health, education, environment and justice.
- ETIs can receive tax revenues under Colombia’s national fund. They can access funds from the general system of royalties for regional development projects and can also sign direct cooperation agreements with international donors.
Why is Strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ Guardianship Through a Collective Important?
Nia Tero has supported the consolidation of Indigenous Territorial Entities (ETIs) since 2019 with support from the Bezos Earth Fund, in partnership with the GAIA Amazonas Foundation By 2025, we were the first international funder of the Esquema Asociativo de los Territorios Indígenas del Macroterritorio de los Jaguares de Yuruparí, an associative structure of four ETIs comprising Yaigojé Apaporis, Miriti Paraná, Río Tiquié and Pirá Paraná.
This political coordination body has an operational arm, guided by a general secretariat and an administrative office. Its purpose is to develop joint strategies towards the protection and defense of the territories, strengthening Indigenous knowledge systems and culture, and ensuring financial sustainability. The Esquema Associativo, or associative scheme, is now able to sign and implement programs, projects and agreements directly with both public and private entities.
How Did ETIs Come to Be in Colombia?
Colombia's 1991 Constitution recognized Indigenous lands as territorial entities with rights to autonomy and self-government, giving them equal constitutional footing as departments, districts and municipalities. However, for more than 30 years the state failed to implement the measures necessary to operationalize these rights, leaving Indigenous Territorial Entities as a constitutional aspiration rather than a lived reality.
As GAIA reports, “In response to this inaction, the Constitutional Court issued several rulings reminding the Colombian state that, regardless of which government is in power, it must guarantee the formalization and functioning of ETIs in order to complete the country's political and administrative map as envisioned in 1991.”
In 2025, President Petro create by decree the ETIs that are recognized today. This paved the way for the recognition of other ETIs in the future.
What’s Next for Colombia’s Indigenous Territorial Entities?
The opportunity before Colombia is significant. After decades of dialogue, institution-building and collaboration, ETIs offer a practical mechanism to translate constitutional recognition into effective Indigenous governance. By strengthening Indigenous authority over ancestral territories, ETIs can help secure cultural continuity, ecological integrity, and long-term territorial stewardship across the Colombian Amazon. As the new administration takes office on August 7, the decisions made in the coming months will shape whether this momentum can be sustained and expanded.
Nia Tero remains committed to working alongside our Indigenous partners in Colombia to strengthen and consolidate this historic progress. Through strategic partnerships, technical accompaniment and flexible financial support, we will continue supporting Indigenous governments as they exercise self-determination, advance territorial governance and demonstrate the transformative potential of Indigenous-led stewardship for the benefit of people, culture and nature alike.
The opportunity before Colombia is significant. After decades of dialogue, institution-building and collaboration, ETIs offer a practical mechanism to translate constitutional recognition into effective Indigenous governance.
Interested in learning more about Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon?
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