Frequently asked questions
Why is this conference being organized?
Given the current context of ayahuasca globalization in its many forms—religious, holistic, academic, and scientific—it is necessary to deepen the dialogue between the various actors in this process: Indigenous peoples, researchers, scientists, therapists, and more. This forum represents the convergence of two influential movements that have long provided space for reflection, consensus-building, and innovation: the Indigenous Ayahuasca Conference, led by Indigenous peoples, and the World Ayahuasca Conference, organized by ICEERS. This event is more than just a forum—it is an emblematic intercultural and interdisciplinary meeting of these two reference points.
The forum seeks to strengthen global networks around crisis support, legal assistance, consensus-based regulation, intercultural knowledge alliances, research consortia, and more. It is a direct response to the challenges sacred plant cultures face in an accelerating global landscape and aims to elevate Indigenous leadership in international decision-making spaces. Now is the time to build a shared roadmap that addresses both modern realities and the ethical globalization of sacred plant practices—rooted in traditional knowledge and Indigenous sciences, while engaging in new forms of academic and epistemological inquiry. This includes generating concrete proposals and strengthening solidarity across regions impacted by extractivism and cultural appropriation.
The forum seeks to strengthen global networks around crisis support, legal assistance, consensus-based regulation, intercultural knowledge alliances, research consortia, and more. It is a direct response to the challenges sacred plant cultures face in an accelerating global landscape and aims to elevate Indigenous leadership in international decision-making spaces. Now is the time to build a shared roadmap that addresses both modern realities and the ethical globalization of sacred plant practices—rooted in traditional knowledge and Indigenous sciences, while engaging in new forms of academic and epistemological inquiry. This includes generating concrete proposals and strengthening solidarity across regions impacted by extractivism and cultural appropriation.
How is this forum different from the five previous Indigenous Ayahuasca Conferences?
Those five previous conferences were critical moments of Indigenous articulation and networking. This forum builds on that legacy but takes it a step further — it is being co-organized from the outset by Indigenous leaders and institutions, alongside allies. It reflects a new level of intercultural governance and co-creation.
This forum also places greater emphasis on international policy engagement, transdisciplinary collaboration, and alliance-building with other sacred plant traditions beyond ayahuasca. It marks a shift from regional articulation to global strategic action.
Across five editions, the Indigenous Ayahuasca Conferences have become important spaces for dialogue and strategy, focused on sovereignty, rights, ethics, and resistance. While these events were held in Indigenous territories with an internal focus on community strengthening, this forum marks a new step—one of collective, outward-facing dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds.
This time, the forum is co-organized from the outset by Indigenous leaders and institutions alongside academic allies. It places greater emphasis on international policy engagement, transdisciplinary collaboration, and alliance-building with other sacred plant traditions beyond ayahuasca. It marks a shift from regional articulation to global strategic action.
This forum also places greater emphasis on international policy engagement, transdisciplinary collaboration, and alliance-building with other sacred plant traditions beyond ayahuasca. It marks a shift from regional articulation to global strategic action.
Across five editions, the Indigenous Ayahuasca Conferences have become important spaces for dialogue and strategy, focused on sovereignty, rights, ethics, and resistance. While these events were held in Indigenous territories with an internal focus on community strengthening, this forum marks a new step—one of collective, outward-facing dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds.
This time, the forum is co-organized from the outset by Indigenous leaders and institutions alongside academic allies. It places greater emphasis on international policy engagement, transdisciplinary collaboration, and alliance-building with other sacred plant traditions beyond ayahuasca. It marks a shift from regional articulation to global strategic action.
How is this forum different from ICEERS’ previous three World Ayahuasca Conferences?
The previous three World Ayahuasca Conferences were organized just by ICEERS, and while there was representation of Indigenous leaders at the conferences, this is the first time that a global ayahuasca event like this is being officially co-organized — from the very start — with representatives of the Council of Spiritual Indigenous Leaders (CLEI), in this case with Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute.
Another key difference is the governance structure: decisions about programming, speakers, and outcomes are being made through consensus with Indigenous leaders, reflecting a shift from consultation to co-decision-making.
Another key difference is the governance structure: decisions about programming, speakers, and outcomes are being made through consensus with Indigenous leaders, reflecting a shift from consultation to co-decision-making.
Why are ICEERS and the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute (IYT) the organizers?
Since 2018, the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute has been leading efforts to organize the Council of Indigenous Spiritual Leaders. During the 5th Indigenous Ayahuasca Conference, the plenary decided that IYT would continue to represent these efforts until the Council is fully operational.
Since the 4th Indigenous Ayahuasca Conference, ICEERS has been in ongoing dialogue with both institutes, leading to the shared vision for a global-scale event: the World Ayahuasca Forum. Both institutions are working together as equal partners in shaping the vision, content, and execution of the forum. This structure reflects a long-standing relationship of mutual trust and shared commitment to intercultural dialogue, biocultural rights, and the future of sacred plant practices.
Since the 4th Indigenous Ayahuasca Conference, ICEERS has been in ongoing dialogue with both institutes, leading to the shared vision for a global-scale event: the World Ayahuasca Forum. Both institutions are working together as equal partners in shaping the vision, content, and execution of the forum. This structure reflects a long-standing relationship of mutual trust and shared commitment to intercultural dialogue, biocultural rights, and the future of sacred plant practices.
What is the role of Indigenous leaders in organizing this event?
Indigenous leaders and institutions are not just participants but co-organizers and decision-makers in the design and vision of the forum. This represents a shift toward collaborative governance and intercultural stewardship.
What outcomes are expected from the forum?
Organize and Strengthen the Movement
- Define the tapestry of the alliance, clarifying the role of each partner and the collaborative plan
- Engage strategic funders to align resources with the long-term vision
- Coordinate and co-create the process of intercultural governance on a global scale
Sovereignty and Indigenous Rights
- Advance legal protections—both in and beyond countries of origin—for Indigenous spiritual leaders and their traditional medicines
- Contribute to the strengthening of Indigenous governance through the Council of Indigenous Spiritual Leaders.
Ensure Safe and Ethical Futures
- Promote collective responsibility and culturally grounded standards to ensure safe, ethical, and informed ayahuasca practices globally.
- Confront extractivism, biomedicalization, and their cultural harms — amplifying Indigenous solutions
- Develop regulatory frameworks and policy proposals
- Present a Community-Based Regulatory Framework
Bring Together International and Interdisciplinary Researchers
- Advance the decolonization of science through mutual learning and dialogue across knowledge systems
- Explore how traditional Indigenous knowledge can serve Western knowledge, and vice versa
- Shape intercultural “Science Plans” together with Indigenous leaders and scientific communities
Decolonial Narratives
- Transform public discourse: linking ayahuasca to Indigenous rights and ecological healingReframe dominant scientific narratives by introducing biocultural perspectives, Indigenous epistemologies, and lived experience.
Will the forum issue any official declarations or reports?
Yes. A summary report and potentially a joint declaration will be co-authored by Indigenous and allied leaders and made publicly available. This will reflect the key dialogues, consensus points, and recommendations that emerged.
Why is this conference being organized in Europe and not South America, the origin of ayahuasca?
Europe was chosen as the location — a gesture that symbolizes, for the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, the possibility of re-signifying old colonial routes and their flows of knowledge. In this way, these messages are intended to reach a broader audience, with the potential for participation from key actors at this critical moment. It was understood, strategically, that bringing this message to an audience beyond the Amazon could generate greater impact and facilitate the involvement of relevant stakeholders, such as governments and others, due to easier access. It was therefore decided to hold the first World Ayahuasca Forum in Girona, Spain.
Future editions of the forum may rotate between regions, including returning to Amazonian territories, to support reciprocal engagement and amplify regional realities on a global scale.
Future editions of the forum may rotate between regions, including returning to Amazonian territories, to support reciprocal engagement and amplify regional realities on a global scale.
Are the Europeans buying Amazonia’s Indigenous leaders ?
No. That perception is mistaken, as the entire process involving this event is one of collaboration and re-signification in the relationship between the institutions. It is not a movement driven by partial or private interests; on the contrary, it reflects a collective, impersonal stance in defense of the rights and protection of biocultures and their traditional communities.
The Indigenous leaders involved are respected authorities in their communities, and their participation is based on long-standing relationships of mutual trust—not on financial incentives or political influence.
Is this going to be a shamanic meeting, with ayahuasca ceremonies?
No. This is not a ceremonial gathering. It will be a space dedicated to meaningful and genuine dialogue, along with a variety of presentations (talks, music, dance, arts), some of which may include traditional ritual and performative elements.
The forum and its organizers will not be offering ayahuasca, other plant medicines, or conducting any ceremonies involving biocultures. That said, traditional practices and ceremonial worldviews may be represented in symbolic, demonstrative, and educational ways—always curated in collaboration with Indigenous leaders to ensure cultural integrity.
The forum and its organizers will not be offering ayahuasca, other plant medicines, or conducting any ceremonies involving biocultures. That said, traditional practices and ceremonial worldviews may be represented in symbolic, demonstrative, and educational ways—always curated in collaboration with Indigenous leaders to ensure cultural integrity.
Will there be any opportunities to learn about traditional ceremonies or Indigenous worldviews?
Yes. Through audiovisual materials, panels, exhibitions, talks, and cultural presentations, participants will have opportunities to learn about traditional worldviews, values, and ritual practices — always in an educational and respectful context, not through direct ceremonial experience.
These educational spaces will be designed with the consent and participation of Indigenous elders, and will emphasize experiential listening, the ethics of reciprocity, and decolonial learning methods.
These educational spaces will be designed with the consent and participation of Indigenous elders, and will emphasize experiential listening, the ethics of reciprocity, and decolonial learning methods.
Will ayahuasca or other plant medicines be served or sold at the forum?
No. Ayahuasca and other medicines characteristic of the biocultures represented will neither be served nor sold during the forum.
This policy reflects a commitment to legal compliance, cultural respect, and participant safety.
Beyond legal considerations, the forum seeks to create a space dedicated to intercultural dialogue, education, and collaboration. Offering or selling medicines could divert attention from these goals and potentially lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations of Indigenous practices and the essence of this important event.
By focusing on discussions, presentations, and cultural exchanges, the forum aims to honor the traditions and knowledge systems of Indigenous communities in a respectful and lawful manner.
Participants are invited to engage with the forum’s programming, which includes panels, talks, and cultural presentations that offer insights into traditional worldviews, values, and ritual practices in an educational context.
This approach ensures that the forum remains a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all attendees.
Beyond legal considerations, the forum seeks to create a space dedicated to intercultural dialogue, education, and collaboration. Offering or selling medicines could divert attention from these goals and potentially lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations of Indigenous practices and the essence of this important event.
By focusing on discussions, presentations, and cultural exchanges, the forum aims to honor the traditions and knowledge systems of Indigenous communities in a respectful and lawful manner.
Participants are invited to engage with the forum’s programming, which includes panels, talks, and cultural presentations that offer insights into traditional worldviews, values, and ritual practices in an educational context.
This approach ensures that the forum remains a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all attendees.
Can I bring my own plant medicines for self-consumption at the forum?
No. Bringing or consuming ayahuasca or other plant medicines at the forum is not permitted. While Spain’s legal framework regarding ayahuasca is complex, it’s important to note that DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine), the primary psychoactive compound in ayahuasca, is classified as a controlled substance under Spanish law. Possession, sale, or consumption of DMT can lead to legal consequences.
Although the plants used to prepare ayahuasca are not explicitly regulated, the presence of DMT in the brew places it under scrutiny. Legal cases in Spain have shown that individuals found with ayahuasca can face legal challenges, including potential criminal charges. Furthermore, Spanish law prohibits the consumption of controlled substances in public spaces, which includes event venues. Violations can result in administrative fines ranging from €601 to €30,000.
To ensure the safety and legal compliance of all participants, the forum strictly prohibits the possession or consumption of ayahuasca and other plant medicines on its premises. This policy applies regardless of personal tradition, background, or experience. We ask that all participants respect the collective safety, legality, and intercultural spirit of the gathering.
Although the plants used to prepare ayahuasca are not explicitly regulated, the presence of DMT in the brew places it under scrutiny. Legal cases in Spain have shown that individuals found with ayahuasca can face legal challenges, including potential criminal charges. Furthermore, Spanish law prohibits the consumption of controlled substances in public spaces, which includes event venues. Violations can result in administrative fines ranging from €601 to €30,000.
To ensure the safety and legal compliance of all participants, the forum strictly prohibits the possession or consumption of ayahuasca and other plant medicines on its premises. This policy applies regardless of personal tradition, background, or experience. We ask that all participants respect the collective safety, legality, and intercultural spirit of the gathering.
Are biocultures other than ayahuasca biocultures welcome to this forum?
The need for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and dialogue with other biocultures (peyote, iboga, bufo, mushrooms, coca, and jurema)—which are cultural foundations of other Indigenous peoples—has become evident. It is observed that these biocultures often face similar challenges and, in many cases, coexist with the ayahuasca bioculture, which, as a result of its globalization, has increasingly approached—and in some contexts, integrated into—different regions, engaging in dialogue with the plants central to traditional practices. For this reason, the participation of representatives of these biocultures will be ensured at the forum, through a dedicated space for this discussion.
The forum actively invites dialogue among multiple biocultures, with the aim of identifying shared challenges, promoting mutual defense of biocultural rights, and exploring the diversity of relational worldviews.
The forum actively invites dialogue among multiple biocultures, with the aim of identifying shared challenges, promoting mutual defense of biocultural rights, and exploring the diversity of relational worldviews.
Are western scientists also welcome to this forum?
Yes. The forum is a space of respectful exchange open to all people — Indigenous and non-Indigenous — who share an interest in cultural dialogue, plant medicine policy, and biocultural preservation. However, non-Indigenous participants are encouraged to attend with humility, a willingness to unlearn, and a commitment to respectful engagement grounded in the principles of the forum.
Is this forum open to non-Indigenous people?
Yes. The forum is a space of respectful exchange open to all people — Indigenous and non-Indigenous — who share an interest in cultural dialogue, plant medicine policy, and biocultural preservation. However, non-Indigenous participants are encouraged to attend with humility, a willingness to unlearn, and a commitment to respectful engagement grounded in the principles of the forum.
Is this Forum also open to scientists and academic researchers from Western institutions?
Absolutely. Scientists and academic researchers play an important role in the Forum. Their contributions are needed to shape meaningful dialogue across knowledge systems, and advancing ethical, collaborative approaches to research.
Scientists and academic researchers from all knowledge systems, cultures, and disciplines are warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate in the forum—especially given that one of the main goals of the gathering is to establish global consortia of research groups committed to collaborative and non-extractive research practices.
Those seeking to co-create research with Indigenous communities and support transdisciplinary approaches will find fertile ground for dialogue and partnership opportunities.
Are policymakers and legal professionals also welcome to the forum?
Absolutely. Policymakers, legal professionals, and advisors play a vital role in shaping the future of traditional plant medicines and their integration into national and international frameworks.
The Forum offers a unique and timely space for legal and policy actors to engage in meaningful dialogue with Indigenous leaders, scientists, and community representatives. Topics such as regulation, human rights, legal defense, and public policy will be explored through the lens of ethics, cultural integrity, and reciprocity.
What are the guiding principles of the forum?
The forum is grounded in principles of leadership, respect, reciprocity, transparency, intercultural dialogue, and the self-determination of Indigenous peoples.
These principles will guide all decisions, programming, and interactions throughout the event.
These principles will guide all decisions, programming, and interactions throughout the event.
Will there be protocols for cultural appropriation or respectful engagement?
Yes. The forum will provide clear guidelines to foster respectful engagement and discourage cultural appropriation. Participants will be expected to follow community-informed protocols and listen actively to Indigenous voices.
Will there be translation or interpretation services available?
Yes. Simultaneous translation will be available in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Additional languages may be provided depending on the needs of participants.
Can this forum be attended online?
Yes, we will be offering online access at an affordable price. However, this access will be available to a limited number of participants.
More information will be shared soon through the event’s communication channels.
Will material from the forum be available to watch afterwards?
Yes, all the forum material (presentations and more) will be available for free for all those who attended the forum either in person or online, and for all others, available for purchase at an affordable rate after the forum.
Is financial support available for those who cannot afford to attend?
A limited number of scholarships and community-supported tickets will be available. Information will be published soon on how to apply.
Can I volunteer or get involved with the forum?
Yes, there will be opportunities for volunteers to support the event in various roles. Details on how to apply will be available on our website soon.
How can I contribute beyond attending the forum?
Participants can contribute by joining working groups, supporting community-led initiatives, disseminating forum outcomes, and remaining engaged through ongoing intercultural collaborations. Opportunities to stay involved will be announced during and after the forum.
Where can I stay during the forum?
Please see Travel and Lodging FAQ here
Can I camp on the grounds of the forum?
Please see Travel and Lodging FAQ here
Are children or families welcome at the forum?
Yes, the forum is family-friendly. We are working to provide spaces that are accessible for people of all ages. Some content may be more suitable for adults; this will be indicated in the program.
What safety and security measures will be in place at the forum?
The organizers are committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment. Security, medical support, and a team trained in intercultural conflict sensitivity will be present on-site.
What accessibility accommodations are available?
The venue will provide accessibility accommodations for participants with disabilities, including wheelchair access, reserved seating, and assistance upon request. Please contact the organizers in advance to request specific accommodations.
How is environmental sustainability being addressed at the forum?
Organizers are committed to minimizing the forum’s ecological footprint by using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and encouraging low-impact travel. The forum will also highlight the importance of ecological responsibility in all discussions.