Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Swimming isn't just a sport. For Lucas Quintupuray it’s a way to defend his territory.
Lucas is a Mapuche open-water swimmer. And in Mapuche tradition, wegeltun, the practice of swimming, is a way to defend their territory, care for the water and nourish the spirit.
He is part of Lof Kintupuray and a voice from Futa Mawiza Puelmapu, an Indigenous-led initiative supported through the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI). Through ICI, Conservation International works alongside Indigenous-led initiatives like Futa Mawiza, where Mapuche communities are strengthening territorial governance and protecting their lands and waters through their own knowledge, culture, and leadership, with support from partners including IUCN and the Global Environment Facility.
Ancient knowledge. Urgent science. Stories like Lucas's show that Indigenous knowledge, cultural traditions, and stewardship practices are essential to protecting nature. Supporting Indigenous leadership helps ensure this knowledge continues to shape conservation today and for generations to come.
Swimming isn't just a sport. For Lucas Quintupuray it’s a way to defend his territory.
Lucas is a Mapuche open-water swimmer. And in Mapuche tradition, wegeltun, the practice of swimming, is a way to defend their territory, care for the water and nourish the spirit.
He is part of Lof Kintupuray and a voice from Futa Mawiza Puelmapu, an Indigenous-led initiative supported through the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI). Through ICI, Conservation International works alongside Indigenous-led initiatives like Futa Mawiza, where Mapuche communities are strengthening territorial governance and protecting their lands and waters through their own knowledge, culture, and leadership, with support from partners including IUCN and the Global Environment Facility.
Ancient knowledge. Urgent science. Stories like Lucas's show that Indigenous knowledge, cultural traditions, and stewardship practices are essential to protecting nature. Supporting Indigenous leadership helps ensure this knowledge continues to shape conservation today and for generations to come.
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