“The Earth is cared for by those who guard it.”

Collab: Mag. María Soledad Mangiavillano, Political Scientist, Master in Public Administration and Government from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona), Graduate in Gender and Institutional Management, Founder and President of Alas Raíces, committed to co-creating a different reality.

Alas Raíces is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the self-development of Indigenous communities. Its work integrates respect for Indigenous worldviews, social accompaniment, and community-building campaigns, always through an inclusive, place-based, and sustainable approach. In this interview, María Soledad shares how we can truly care for the Earth, why Indigenous wisdom is essential, and what role those of us coming from Western society can play.

1. Why is it important to collaborate with Indigenous Peoples? :

“I am deeply convinced that Indigenous peoples safeguard and resist in territories of great biodiversity; that is why the way to protect our Earth is with them. The global environmental crisis forces us to question the effectiveness of contemporary Western solutions. Although movements such as environmentalism and veganism have helped popularize concern for the planet—promoting ethical consumption and the reduction of carbon footprints—their impact remains mostly within the sphere of behavioral change and utilitarian ethics. Awareness alone is not enough. The true obstacle lies in the epistemology and ontology that underpin Western thought—a legacy of colonialism that inherently disconnects us from nature. The root of our problem is the colonial worldview, which begins with a radical separation between human beings (thinking subjects) and nature (an external object). This perspective strips nature of its intrinsic value, reducing it to resources or governmental assets. Even within mainstream environmentalism, protection is often justified by the benefits humans derive from nature, rather than by nature’s right to exist”

2. How do Indigenous Peoples relate to nature? :

“To create real impact, we must understand how Indigenous communities relate to nature. They see themselves as part of a whole equal parts of a living system coexisting with the river, the wind, the sun, the earth, the animals, generating a perfect balance. That is why I believe the best we can do those of us who do not inhabit the world as they do is to support these communities so they can continue to exist, and continue safeguarding and resisting in their territories.”

3. What is the role of Western society? :

"Colonialism and the colonial mindset that persists through extractive practices continues to threaten the material conditions of Indigenous existence. We have polluted the rivers whose fish are part of their diet; we have advanced through land enclosure and deforestation, causing the displacement of animals. Their ecosystem has changed, and continues to change, with every deliberate human action driven by economic profit without regard for environmental impact. True transformation will not come from better awareness of ‘how much we pollute,’ but from an epistemic and ontological shift that actively incorporates Indigenous wisdom. The challenge is to stop seeing nature as something ‘for us’ and begin seeing it as ‘part of us.’ This includes implementing Rights of Nature to institutionalize this relational worldview, moving beyond environmental protection based solely on regulation. The role of the Western “White” subject is not to ‘rescue’ Indigenous peoples or ‘replicate’ their practices, but to accept coexistence, support their territorial struggles, and collaborate with communities whose material conditions of existence are threatened”

4. What does Alas Raíces do to support the communities? :

“At Alas Raíces, we work hand in hand with the communities, designing projects that promote their self-development and building partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability. We also run annual campaigns to support meaningful moments in community life and strengthen bonds: Arrancando la escuela, Enraizando Sonrisas, Noche Buena y Navidad. These recreational activities aim to share, build community, and support their social and cultural well-being.”

5. What is the real fight for the planet? :

“The fight for the planet requires a paradigm shift. Individual awareness is only the surface. Indigenous territorial resistance and stewardship are the true ecological vanguard. For the rest of humanity, the path forward is the decolonization of being recognizing Nature as a subject and adopting an ethic of deep relationality and reciprocity. The Earth is cared for with those who guard it: supporting Indigenous resistance is protecting biodiversity, protecting our land, our planet.”

In María Soledad’s words, caring for the planet is not only about recycling or consuming less, but about learning from Indigenous wisdom and supporting their struggle and development. At Alas Raíces, this is done through projects, campaigns, and direct collaboration with the communities #ForABetterWorld.

Want to be part of this? Your support allows Alas Raíces to remain present in the territories and help Indigenous peoples strengthen their autonomy and well-being. Click here and support the project.