Press and Media Coverage
The TTTRAD project garnered significant media attention in articles, press releases, and media appearances that highlighted the project’s achievements and the struggles of the peoples of Predio Putumayo. I a press release citing thew support of the Irish Taoiseach for the work being carried out in support of the peoples of the Predio; Coverage in Ireland and Colombia of Commemorative Events in La Chorrera organised with the support of the TTRAD project; and, screenings of Digital Storytelling videos and A pilot for the PI led participatory documentary was showcased at several national and international forums, including COP 16 in Cali.
The project’s interdisciplinary approach included law, anthropology, digital storytelling, and human rights, combining participatory documentary-making and legal research to explore the themes of resilience, justice, and cultural survival moves beyond the state of the art enabling indigenous peoples to play an active and decisive role in the recording and dissemination of their story, world view and message to the word in their own pictures and words.
A highly important aspect of research has been the identification of significant social impacts arising from the promotion of carbon credit markets among the indigenous peoples of the region. This is a highly sensitive issue and as it runs through all aspects of the project work the PI has undertaken to refrain from publications until all film work is completed and approved by the indigenous peoples.
One of the most significant outcomes of the TTTRAD project has been the development of close working ties between the peoples of the Predio Putumayo in Colombia and the Irish Government and the University of Galway. Ongoing collaboration includes future projects focusing on mapping Indigenous territories, supporting self-determination, and advocating for stronger international legal protections against corporate human rights abuses. All of which are of great local and international significance, as the peoples of the Predio struggle to protect their, for now, pristine rainforest which stretches over a territory three quarters the size of Ireland .
A key achievement of the project has been the consolidation of an active Colectivo de Cine Indígena serving as a base for local Indigenous filmmakers. nnual production of short films by each of the four peoples has covered a wide range of topics. Including historical and current stories, environmental issues, cultural resilience, traditional ceremonies, languages, and practices.
Continuing participatory work on a participatory documentary between a film crew from Ireland and filmmakers from the Colectivo will bring their story and the results of this project to global attention in the coming years
The TTTRAD project participatory approach, serves as a model for future projects that aim to elevate Indigenous voices and protect their rights in the face of global challenges such as climate change and corporate exploitation.
The project and its long-term impacts serve to continue Casement's work, in the struggle for Indigenous rights at the national and international level today.
