TL;DR

Research on Yanomami structure, apply insights to decentralized models, connect indigenous cooperative knowledge with DAOs for more human-centric organizations, and start planning ZuFloripa for 2025 Q1.

1. Project Description

1.1 The Yanomamis – Indigenous Knowledge

The Yanomami are the largest relatively isolated tribe in South America. They live in the rainforests and mountains of northern Brazil and southern Venezuela.

*“At over 9.6 million hectares, the Yanomami territory in Brazil is twice the size of Switzerland. In Venezuela, the Yanomami live in the 8.2 million hectare Alto Orinoco – Casiquiare Biosphere Reserve. Together, these areas form the largest forested Indigenous territory in the world.” – https://www.survivalinternational.org/tribes/yanomami*

Driven by our passion for optimizing human coordi-nation, our idea is to conduct local research on the organizational structure of the tribe to publish papers focused on human coordination. The goal of these papers is to provide insights into coordination and hierarchies within the Yanomami tribes, alongside professionals in the fields of anthropology and computer science. Our aim is to translate social organizational forms into decentralized and technological means, generating valuable content for the Zuzalu community and supporting science and research at public universities in Brazil.

As a secondary idea, we will organize a ZuFloripa event in the city of Florianópolis, located in southern Brazil. This event will serve as a platform for presenting the aforementioned papers, showcasing images of the tribes, and sharing insights about the connection between Zuzalu and the Yanomami tribes. Through this, we aim to ensure that the amorphous community of Zuzalu incorporates the ancestry and coordination principles of indigenous peoples who have experienced isolation, mining activities, attempted colonization, and resource scarcity.

1.2 Cooperativism and Indigenous Tribes

DAOs can benefit a lot from tools and knowledge that is around for centuries.

Cooperatives are the DAOs from the corporate world. Citing the International Cooperative Alliance: autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.

The first modern cooperative was created with the Rochdale pioneers, but indigenous tribes are using similar models for centuries/mileniums. If we really want to preserve and learn from this ancient and human knowledge, we must invest in research so we can create better and more human-centric organizations.

https://ica.coop/en/cooperatives/cooperative-identity

2. Motivation

2.1 Project Motivation:

The motivation behind initiating this project is to uncover insights into human coordination and translate these insights in a way that allows the Zuzalu community to embark on a path towards more decentralized, more humane, resilient to organizational and market setbacks coordination.

While visiting the world's largest open-air museum, the team explored an art gallery featuring the works of Claudia Andujar, a photographer-activist known for her documentation of the Yanomami tribes. Acquiring specific insights into tribal organization, the team discerned significant parallels between tribal structures and decentralized organizations.

In a brief:

• Bring new ideas on coordination to the web3 ecosystem
• Provide a public good (research) to generate more insights to DAO tools developers

3. Why now & Evidence for the need

• Token-Centric Coordination Issues:

  • DAOs encounter challenges in coordination, primarily relying on token-based mechanisms.
  • The one-token-one-vote system often leads to plutocracy concerns within DAOs.

• Membership Attrition and Forking Trends:

  • DAOs are experiencing a decline in active members, contributing to a growing trend of forking.
  • Loss of members underscores the need for reevaluation of existing governance structures.

• Ineffectiveness of Traditional Governance:

  • Traditional governance models within DAOs are proving ineffective in addressing coordination challenges.
  • A quest for alternative solutions is imperative to enhance the efficiency of governance mechanisms.

*“This model would have provided an example of a solidarity-based society, grounded in collective labor, where community interests took precedence over economic ones.” Source

4. Impact

1. Diversity of Insights:
   • The research on Yanomami organizational structures brings a unique perspective on human coordination, offering diverse insights that can enrich the understanding of decentralized coordination in the web3 ecosystem.
2. Community Engagement and Connection:
   • The ZuFloripa event serves as a bridge between the Yanomami research and the Zuzalu community, fostering community engagement and strengthening the connection between Zuzalu and the broader web3 ecosystem.
3. Public Goods Contribution:
   • The project's commitment to generating public goods, particularly in the form of research, contributes valuable knowledge to the web3 community. This can serve as a resource for developers working on DAO tools, enhancing the overall understanding and development mechanis for shifting human behavior.
4. Intersection of Art, Activism, and Technology:
   • The team's encounter with Claudia Andujar's art gallery, connecting Yanomami insights with decentralized organizations, highlights the intersection of art, activism, and technology. This interdisciplinary approach may inspire similar explorations within the web3 community, fostering a broader perspective on its potential impact.
5. Preserve indigenous knowledge:
   • To scale care, we need the ancient knowledge of respecting and nurturing nature and other ecosystems.

In summary, the project not only addresses immediate challenges within DAOs but also seeks to contribute unique perspectives, knowledge, and alternative models to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of the web3 ecosystem.

5. In what ways does this benefit Zuzalu?

• Cultural Enrichment:
  • The project enhances Zuzalu's cultural connection, providing a platform to appreciate and integrate the knowledge and organizational principles of the Yanomami tribes.
• Identity Formation:
  • By drawing lessons from indigenous communities, the project contributes to the establishment of a unique identity for Zuzalu, reinforcing shared values and principles.

6. Project plan & Milestone

6.1

[Q2 2024]

• Visit Yanomami Tribes and collect insights: Gathering insights from the Yanomami Tribes regarding alternative cooperative governance models.
• Insights from Human Coordination/Neuroscience/Anthropology researchers: Gathering insights from researchers in fields such as Human Coordination, Neuroscience, and Anthropology.

[Q3 2025]

• Research I: Anthropology research (with a professional): Conducting Anthropology research with the assistance of a professional.
• Research II: Computer science research (with a professional): Conducting Computer science research with the assistance of a professional.

[Q3 2025]

• Papers release: Releasing research papers detailing findings and insights.

[Q1 2025]

• ZuFloripa: Organizing the ZuFloripa event including arrangements for food, guests, venue, and promotion.

6.2

Purpose and Objectives:

• What are the main goals and objectives of the event?

  Our primary goals for the event are to delve into the organizational structure of the Yanomami tribe through research, translating valuable insights into practical decentralized models. The overarching aim is to integrate indigenous wisdom seamlessly with DAOs, fostering the development of more human-centric organizations. This initiative will culminate in the ZuFloripa event held in southern Brazil, where we intend to share our findings, promote dialogue, and strengthen the connection between indigenous knowledge and contemporary decentralized practices within the Zuzalu community

• At which location will the event occur and why?

  Florianópolis – Santa Catarina

1. Island Atmosphere:

   • As an island city, Florianópolis offers a unique atmosphere characterized by stunning beaches (42), picturesque landscapes, and a laid-back coastal vibe. This setting provides an inspiring backdrop for the event.

2. Safety and Welcoming Environment:

   • Known for its safety and welcoming atmosphere, Florianópolis ensures a positive and enjoyable experience for participants. Its reputation as a tourist-friendly destination contributes to a sense of security.
   • Situated in the scenic coastal region of Santa Catarina, known as "Litoral Catarinense," the city offers participants opportunities for relaxation and exploration beyond the event.
   • With more than 98 routes offering direct flights to São Paulo, Florianópolis is easily accessible.

3. Innovation and Web3 Hub:

   • Florianópolis has emerged as a hub for web3 innovation and technology in Brazil, making it an ideal location for hosting the event. Its growing reputation for technological advancements aligns with the forward-thinking nature of the discussions and workshops planned.

Website | Deck