The groundwork of building tools for data sovereignty

In “The groundwork of building tools for data sovereignty for earth defenders” speakers discussed the challenges faced by earth defenders and the importance of establishing a foundation for co-creation, co-development, and ownership of technological tools and strategies in grassroots communities. The session aimed to bring together activists, technologists, policymakers, and Earth Defenders to share both successful experiences and challenges related to community-centered Content Governance.

One of the highlighted tools was Mapeo, which has been adopted by 700 land protectors. This tool operates without the need for internet connectivity and is free and open source. It is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing for customization with new categories, icons, and local languages. Mapeo emphasizes community data sovereignty, as it does not rely on a central server or cloud storage. Additionally, it supports cooperative work processes, promoting collaboration within communities.

The speakers shared their experiences in community-centered co-design. Since 2015 they have engaged with 22 communities where they’ve jointly they’ve developed a legend with over 150 unique icons. In 2018, they achieved a significant legal victory, leading to the protection of over 200,000 hectares of land.

Overall, the session highlighted the importance of empowering grassroots communities and ensuring their active participation in shaping technological tools and strategies. The examples of Mapeo and the collaboration with the Waorani, Alianza Ceibo, and Amazon Frontlines showcased successful initiatives that promote local data sovereignty, cultural representation, and legal protection of ancestral lands.

Inspiring Ideas

During the session, a speaker shared a question raised by the elders in the community while reviewing a map: "Where are the medicinal plants?" This question emphasizes the cultural and ecological significance of traditional knowledge and the need to integrate it into data governance strategies.

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