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Researchers from SEI organized the dialog that led to the brief, Peer exchange: connecting Indigenous communities from Colombia and Brazil, co-created with IEI Brazil and with the participation of Brazilian Indigenous communities from the Mendonça-Potiguara people and Colombian Indigenous communities from the Wayuu people.
The exchange took place on 28-29 August 2025 in the indigenous community of Serrote de São Bento, in the municipality of João Câmara, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte. Over these two days, the Serrote de São Bento Indigenous Community Association became a meeting space for communities and institutions to strengthen dialogue and share experiences between indigenous communities from both countries regarding the presence and impacts of wind energy projects in their territories. The discussions highlighted lessons learned, organizational strategies, and initiatives that have generated tangible benefits for communities.
The methodology combined dialogue sessions, thematic panels, guided visits, and cultural activities, prioritizing close engagement with the territory and the host communities. This approach allowed learning to emerge from direct experience with the place, its people, and their everyday practices. Key topics included the environmental and social impacts of wind energy; benefits and compensation mechanisms; autonomy, governance, and community participation; and the role of prior consultation protocols.
The event is part of the training programme “Intercultural dialogue, wind energy and community participation”, developed by SEI in collaboration with the University of La Guajira in Colombia for Wayuu indigenous participants. The exchange was carried out in collaboration with IEI Brazil.
The convergence of Brazilian and Colombian experiences led to a joint reflection on the role of Indigenous peoples in shaping more just energy and environmental alternatives. The key learnings from this exchange are compiled in the illustrative booklet “Indigenous dialogues on wind energy: a knowledge exchange between Brazil and Colombia”.
The publication includes technical information about the event and its origins, a detailed account of the main activities and discussions held over the two days, and a synthesis of the reflections and recommendations that emerged from the exchange. The illustrations were also designed to reflect the intercultural spirit of exchange and connection that characterized the event.
This video blog showcases the travel and exchange experiences of indigenous communities. Production and editing: Eduar Monsalve / SEI
Program / This programme aims to build a collaborative platform to accelerate renewable energy deployment in La Guajira.
Project / This project aims to guide offshore wind energy development in Colombia in a way that supports fair outcomes and sustainable local benefits.
Project / A new alliance championing socially responsible renewable energy implementation with meaningful participation and benefits for communities across the globe.
SEI report / This document provides an overview of wind and solar energy in Colombia at the beginning of 2025, with commentary on outlooks.
Feature / An SEI program is strengthening Wayuu capacity to advocate for their interests in wind energy project development and related infrastructure.
Feature / This story conveys SEI's fieldwork in La Guajira exploring the social acceptance of wind energy among Indigenous Wayuu communities and key challenges.
