Ivi: “At Meli, our approach to selecting communities is deeply rooted in inclusivity and collaboration. We actively seek out indigenous and local communities in vulnerable areas, fostering a bottom-up approach. Our engagements have expanded from our strong ties to Brazil, impacting communities across diverse Brazilian biomes, to Spanish speaking countries like Peru, Colombia, and Mexico.
“The communities we choose to partner with are those where our impact can be meaningful, and we aim to empower them in a way that promotes regenerative practices for climate justice. Looking ahead to 2024, we plan to scale our methodology and extend support to community-led projects in the new Latin American and African communities that have joined our movement.
[…]
“In the dynamic landscape of bioeconomy, Meli stands apart, bridging the gap between regenerative practices, transparent supply chains, and community-led innovation. Unlike traditional NGOs and bioeconomy firms, we confront the systemic disempowerment of indigenous communities, prioritising resilience against economic fragility, exploitation, and the climate crisis.
“Beyond environmental concerns, we recognise the profound impact on indigenous territories, encompassing food insecurity, health crises, and cultural losses affecting mental wellbeing. Meli, guided by indigenous wisdom, empowers over 100 communities globally to enter the bioeconomy on their terms, fostering collaboration and creating community-led hubs for autonomy and market access. Our mission is not just participation; it's a transformative redefinition of the bioeconomy for justice and positive change, one community at a time.”