NAVI ON Project: Satellite connection for remote villages in the Amazon
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A pioneering initiative is transforming the reality of indigenous communities in the heart of the Amazon. The NAVI ON project, developed by the startup NAVI Global (Flora Dutra — Ricardo Birenbaum) and Associação Kapyvanaway (Enoque Marubo), has just connected 20 villages of the Povo Marubo, in the Javari Valley, to the internet through Starlink satellite technology, providing access to information, health services and territorial monitoring like never before.
The mission, which took place in September 2023, was a historic milestone for indigenous communities in the Amazon. The CEO of NAVI Global, Flora Dutra, and the President of the Kapyvanaway Association, Enoque Marubo, led this initiative in the Amazon rainforest, with the fundamental support of international collaborators, Allyson Reneau and Brandon Weaver.
Installing the Starlink antennas in Marubo villages was an impressive logistical challenge, given the region’s remote conditions. However, the team’s determination and the support of local leaders allowed the project to be completed successfully.
The impact of this project is immeasurable. More than 1,000 Marubo indigenous people now have access to high-speed internet, opening up a world of opportunities. The implications are profound, from improving access to information to enabling real-time emergency requests for healthcare.
Furthermore, the NAVI ON project gained international prominence when the team was invited to present this action at the NASA panel at the United Nations General Assembly. The online presentation broadcast around the world drew global attention to the importance of connectivity in remote areas of the Amazon and its relevance to the preservation of culture and biodiversity.
The success of the NAVI ON project now inspires plans for its expansion. The team is committed to connecting more than 200 villages, including the Yanomami People, Huni Kuin, Matis, Mayuruna, Kulina and Guajajara, using the same Starlink satellite technology. The ambition is to create a communication network that covers the entire Amazon region, providing a significant increase in the quality of life of indigenous communities.
“This is just the beginning,” said Flora Dutra, CEO of NAVI Global. “Our vision is to create a network that connects all indigenous communities in the Amazon, allowing them to preserve their cultures, share knowledge and have access to essential services.” This connection not only improves their lives, but also reinforces the importance of preserving the cultural and environmental wealth that the Amazon represents for the planet. The NAVI ON project is an inspiring example of how technology can be used to promote the well-being of indigenous communities and the conservation of the Amazon.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Connection in the Amazon
Following the initial success of the NAVI ON project, the focus is now on expanding connectivity to more than 200 villages across the Amazon region, including peoples such as Yanomami, Huni Kuin, Matis, Mayuruna, Kulina and Guajajara. However, this mission is accompanied by complex challenges such as logistics that make it difficult to access remote areas.
One of the biggest barriers facing implementation teams is the vast expanse of the Amazon rainforest and the significant distances between villages. This requires detailed logistical planning, which includes obtaining environmental authorizations to ensure that the installation of Starlink antennas is done in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Furthermore, the team needs to take into account the cultural and linguistic specificities of each indigenous group, ensuring that information technology is used in a way that respects and promotes local traditions. This delicate aspect requires close collaboration with village leaders and elders to ensure that internet connection helps preserve indigenous languages and cultures.
The President of the Kapyvanaway Association, Enoque Marubo, highlighted the importance of this culturally sensitive collaboration: “We are not only bringing the internet to our communities, but also learning to incorporate this technology into our way of life, in a way that strengthens our identity and our knowledge traditional”.
One of the main advantages of connecting to the internet via Starlink is the ability to access emergency health requests in real time. This is particularly crucial in remote regions where access to medical services is limited. NAVI Global CEO Flora Dutra emphasizes this aspect: “The ability to seek medical assistance immediately can save lives. We are committed to ensuring that indigenous communities have access to adequate health care and educational opportunities through the internet.” Additionally, connectivity offers unprecedented educational opportunities. Village schools can access online educational resources, allowing indigenous children access to a broader curriculum and enriching learning opportunities.
The NAVI ON project is also partnering with organizations and research institutions to develop territorial monitoring and environmental conservation programs. The use of satellite technology will allow indigenous communities to play an active role in preserving the Amazon by monitoring environmental devastation and illegal intrusion into their territories. However, it is important to remember that this initiative is not free from ongoing challenges, such as antenna maintenance, energy sustainability and access to technical training for local communities.
The NAVI ON project is an inspiring example of how technology can be used as a tool for the empowerment of indigenous communities and the conservation of the Amazon. As connectivity expands to more villages and towns, the hope is that these communities will continue to thrive, maintaining their cultural traditions while enjoying the benefits of the digital age. The world is watching with interest this extraordinary journey in the search for a more inclusive and sustainable future for the Amazon region and its inhabitants.
Global Support to Connect Amazon Indigenous Peoples
The success of the NAVI ON project is not limited to indigenous communities in the Amazon; he is also driving a global movement for connectivity and support for indigenous populations around the world. The initiative, which connected 20 Marubo villages to high-speed internet, demonstrated the transformative potential of the technology and highlighted the urgent need to expand this access to all indigenous communities.
The NAVI ON project has caught the attention of human rights organizations, technology companies and government agencies around the world. Many are now looking for ways to support this cause and replicate the success in other regions. International collaboration played a key role in the NAVI ON project. Allyson Reneau and Brandon Weaver, technology and connectivity experts, contributed their knowledge and experience to ensure the success of the initiative. This highlights the importance of partnerships between different sectors of society to address complex issues, such as digital inclusion in remote areas.
NAVI Global CEO Flora Dutra emphasizes the need for a broader collaborative approach: “Connectivity is a basic human right. We are encouraged by the support we have received so far, but we know there is much more to be done. We need global partnerships to ensure that all indigenous communities in the Amazon and other regions have access to the internet and the opportunities it offers.”
This growing awareness and global support is opening doors to the creation of funds and programs dedicated to indigenous connectivity. These initiatives aim to not only provide access to the internet, but also ensure that communities have the ability to make the most of this technology, developing digital skills and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
The success of the NAVI ON project in the Amazon inspires hope for a future where all indigenous cultures around the world can thrive, maintaining their unique identities and contributing to the preservation of global biodiversity. As indigenous connectivity continues to rise to the forefront of global agendas, the hope is that this movement will be a catalyst for concrete action. Digital connectivity not only increases the quality of life for indigenous communities, but also plays a key role in preserving tropical forests and mitigating climate change.
The NAVI ON project is a powerful reminder that, by joining forces, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. By supporting the connectivity of indigenous communities in the Amazon, we are not only providing individual opportunities, but also investing in the future of humanity and planet Earth. It’s a global call to action to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age, regardless of where they are located.
Testimony from Allyson Reneau, Starlink Antenna Donor
“I am deeply moved and grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to the NAVI ON project, providing the 20 Starlink antennas that now connect the Marubo villages in the Javari Valley to the internet. Seeing the positive impact this connectivity is having on the lives of these indigenous communities is truly inspiring. We firmly believe that access to the internet is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for empowerment. We are committed to continuing to support initiatives like this that seek to promote digital inclusion and preserve the cultural diversity of indigenous communities in the Amazon.”
Statement from the President of the Kapyvanaway Association, Enoque Marubo
“For the Kapyvanaway Association and for all indigenous communities in the Javari Valley, internet connection is more than just a technological innovation. It is a bridge to the world outside the forests that allows us to share our culture, knowledge and urgent needs. Being connected means improving access to health, education and communication services, but it also means we can be a stronger voice in defending our territories and preserving the Amazon. We are deeply grateful to the NAVI Global team, the donors, and everyone who made this project a reality. Now, we can dream of a brighter future for our communities.”
Testimonial from Brandon Weaver, Filming and Photography Volunteer
“Being part of the NAVI ON mission in the Amazon was a truly transformative experience. Documenting the process of installing Starlink antennas and the reaction of indigenous communities to the arrival of the internet was an exciting journey. Seeing the immediate impact of this technology on people’s lives, from access to healthcare to the opportunity to share their stories and cultures with the world, has been incredibly rewarding. As a volunteer, I am honored to have contributed to spreading this important message of connectivity and digital inclusion.”
Statement from the CEO of NAVI Global, Flora Dutra
“The NAVI ON project represents not only a milestone in our journey as a company, but also a personal mission that has a very special place in my heart. Seeing the 20 Starlink antennas light up the Marubo villages in the Javari Valley with high-speed connectivity was an unparalleled moment of accomplishment.
We firmly believe that technology can be a force for good and that connectivity is a fundamental human right. Internet access should not be a luxury reserved for just a few, but a tool that empowers everyone, regardless of where they live. The indigenous communities of the Amazon have been guardians of the rainforest and its rich cultures for generations. Now, with the ability to connect to the world, we hope they can continue to play this fundamental role, preserving not only their forests, but also their languages, traditions and ancestral wisdom.
Collaboration with the Kapyvanaway Association, support from donors like Allyson Reneau, and volunteer dedication from Brandon Weaver made it all possible. We are committed to moving forward, expanding this initiative to connect more Indigenous communities and working closely with them to ensure technology is used in ways that are sensitive to their needs and cultural values. The NAVI ON project is a powerful reminder that when we come together in pursuit of a common goal, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and make a difference in people’s lives. We are determined to continue this journey, not just in the Amazon, but across the world, to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for everyone.”
Statement from the Co-founder of NAVI Global, Ricardo Birenbaum
Participating in this NAVI ON project, even remotely, has been an incredibly rewarding and inspiring experience for me as co-founder of NAVI Global. Seeing our team come together to connect remote indigenous communities in the Amazon to high-speed internet is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration.
From the beginning, NAVI Global has been dedicated to using technology to create a positive impact on people’s lives, and the NAVI ON project is the realization of this commitment. I deeply believe that connectivity is a tool that can empower communities and amplify their voices. Collaborating with the Kapyvanaway Association and counting on the support of donors, such as Allyson Reneau, was fundamental to the success of this initiative. Seeing Marubo villages now connected to the internet, opening doors to opportunities and essential services, is proof that teamwork and dedication can overcome complex challenges.
I am proud to be part of this journey, even from a distance, and I am committed to continuing to support the expansion of this project and other initiatives that use technology to improve the quality of life in communities around the world. The NAVI ON project is an inspiring example of how technology can be a force for good, and I’m excited about what the future holds for this partnership and our global mission of digital inclusion.”
Check out some images of Marubo villages being connected in Vale do Javari (AM)
Now we need to pay the monthly fees for the 20 villages. If you want to help us in this mission, please
For PayPal collaboration
naviglobalbr@gmail.com
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: FUNAI de Atalaia do Norte, UNIVAJA, Morel Fourman, Gaia Soft, Matej Hacin, Institute of Indigenous Cultures Karioka, Instituto Nawá, Fábio Alperowitch, Bruno Ferraz, Mario Regis, Fundação Txai, Fundação Planeta, Iron Wing Studios, NativeNet, NASA , UN, Dan and Robin Hawk and all the people who donated so that we could carry out this mission. Thank you very much.
For PayPal collaboration
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