Through its commitment to community-led restoration and environmental leadership, uPcycle has been proud to support the Daphnitas, an inspiring network of Indigenous young women working to restore freshwater ecosystems and strengthen connections between people and nature in southern Chile. Rooted in Mapuche knowledge, community science and youth leadership, the movement empowers young women to become stewards of freshwater ecosystems and catalysts for socio-ecological restoration.
From the waters of Mallolafken (Lake Villarrica), the Daphnitas demonstrate how local action can address global challenges by strengthening relationships between communities, freshwater ecosystems and the wider living world. Through mentorship, technical support and opportunities to engage with national and international networks, uPcycle has helped create platforms for the group to share its experiences and inspire others working towards more resilient and inclusive approaches to restoration.
A significant milestone has been the establishment of Habitar CíkliKo, a community-led charitable organisation dedicated to socio-ecological resilience, freshwater stewardship, environmental leadership and the regeneration of relationships between people and nature. Named in honour of Ngen Ko, the Mapuche guardian spirit of water, Habitar Cíkliko provides the long-term platform through which the Daphnitas can grow, build partnerships and sustain impact across generations.
Together, the Daphnitas and Habitar Cíkliko are demonstrating how Indigenous knowledge, youth leadership and community action can contribute to the restoration of freshwater ecosystems while strengthening cultural identity and social resilience. Their work offers an inspiring example of how local stewardship can catalyse broader movements for environmental renewal and community wellbeing.