The Konuko Project: Reclaiming Taino Heritage and Food Sovereignty
Puerto Rico
Restoration, Conservation, AgricultureUN
United Confederation of Taino People
Puerto Rico
Indigenous Group, NonprofitThe United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) was founded in 1998 to promote the self-determination, human rights, cultural preservation, and sustainable development of Taíno and other Caribbean Indigenous Peoples. Through educational advocacy, policy development, cultural revitalization, and community-based initiatives, the UCTP works to safeguard Indigenous knowledge systems, sacred lands, traditional foodways, and community wellbeing throughout the Caribbean and its Diaspora. The UCTP has acquired land in Puerto Rico to construct a community center, Taíno embassy, and ceremonial plaza, as well as to develop the Konuko Project, an agricultural and agro-food-forestry initiative based on traditional Indigenous practices. As a part of the Konuko Project, we seek to reintroduce endemic fruit bearing species that were staples for our ancestors, especially those in danger of extinction.
Project story
The Konuko Project: Reclaiming Taino Heritage and Food Sovereignty
For over 500 years, the Taino people have persisted through colonialism, discrimination, and marginalization. Today, we are reclaiming our future.
The United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) has acquired 20 acres in western Puerto Rico to build a thriving community hub dedicated to cultural revitalization, education, and sustainable development. At its heart lies the Konuko Project—an ambitious Indigenous agricultural initiative that weaves together ancestral ecological knowledge with modern sustainable practices.
This initiative tackles interconnected challenges: restoring biodiversity, strengthening food sovereignty, and ensuring local families—especially elders and children—have access to healthy, culturally significant foods. While the land already produces mangos, bananas, and breadfruit, the Konuko Project will cultivate endemic and endangered species historically central to Taino culture.
The work includes land restoration, cultivation of rare plant species, community workshops, youth capacity building, and targeted food distribution. More importantly, it's designing a replicable model for Indigenous-led conservation across the Caribbean.
By combining ancestral practices with contemporary techniques, the Konuko Project creates a resilient blueprint for food security in a climate-vulnerable region. Your support funds land restoration, infrastructure development, workshops, and educational programming that will inspire Indigenous communities throughout the Caribbean.
Project updates
Team
The Konuko Project: Reclaiming Taino Heritage and Food Sovereignty
Puerto Rico
Restoration, Conservation, AgricultureUN
United Confederation of Taino People
Puerto Rico
Indigenous Group, NonprofitThe United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) was founded in 1998 to promote the self-determination, human rights, cultural preservation, and sustainable development of Taíno and other Caribbean Indigenous Peoples. Through educational advocacy, policy development, cultural revitalization, and community-based initiatives, the UCTP works to safeguard Indigenous knowledge systems, sacred lands, traditional foodways, and community wellbeing throughout the Caribbean and its Diaspora. The UCTP has acquired land in Puerto Rico to construct a community center, Taíno embassy, and ceremonial plaza, as well as to develop the Konuko Project, an agricultural and agro-food-forestry initiative based on traditional Indigenous practices. As a part of the Konuko Project, we seek to reintroduce endemic fruit bearing species that were staples for our ancestors, especially those in danger of extinction.
Project story
The Konuko Project: Reclaiming Taino Heritage and Food Sovereignty
For over 500 years, the Taino people have persisted through colonialism, discrimination, and marginalization. Today, we are reclaiming our future.
The United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) has acquired 20 acres in western Puerto Rico to build a thriving community hub dedicated to cultural revitalization, education, and sustainable development. At its heart lies the Konuko Project—an ambitious Indigenous agricultural initiative that weaves together ancestral ecological knowledge with modern sustainable practices.
This initiative tackles interconnected challenges: restoring biodiversity, strengthening food sovereignty, and ensuring local families—especially elders and children—have access to healthy, culturally significant foods. While the land already produces mangos, bananas, and breadfruit, the Konuko Project will cultivate endemic and endangered species historically central to Taino culture.
The work includes land restoration, cultivation of rare plant species, community workshops, youth capacity building, and targeted food distribution. More importantly, it's designing a replicable model for Indigenous-led conservation across the Caribbean.
By combining ancestral practices with contemporary techniques, the Konuko Project creates a resilient blueprint for food security in a climate-vulnerable region. Your support funds land restoration, infrastructure development, workshops, and educational programming that will inspire Indigenous communities throughout the Caribbean.
Project updates
Team
Location
Puerto Rico