Kiptik is also a part of CATAS, a coordinating group consisting of various teams who work on infrastructure projects in the autonomous communities. CATAS stands for COORDINADORA AUTÓNOMA DE TECNOLOGÍA APROPIADA PARA LA SALUD (Autonomous Coordinating Group of Appropriate Technology for Health). Below is information about the group:
CATAS is a coordinating group consisting of various collectives and individuals involved in community projects focused on preventative health and appropriate technology in Chiapas, Mexico.
CATAS was born out of the need to bring together the various teams who had been working for over 10 years in the autonomous indigenous communities of the region. Much of this work has been focused on the construction of drinking water systems, in a spirit of direct solidarity with the communities in resistance and with a shared belief in the importance of working collectively.
Our work covers the following areas:
Those of us who make up CATAS share the principles of appropriate technology. Each project is born out of the needs identified in the communities, and they are at the centre of the planning and execution of the work.
We recognize that the long-term success of our collaboration with the communities in resistance depends on training and the transfer of technical skills. In order for the communities to have control over the projects we try to find low-cost solutions, taking full advantage of local materials and skills so that the communities can adapt and replicate each project as necessary.
All of the projects are planned and put into practice with the idea of being sustainable and decentralized, avoiding dependencies on external factors or costly resources. CATAS considers prevention to be the best way of improving levels of health and sees collective work as the way in which to meet the needs of a community.
CATAS is made up of the following teams:
These teams and individuals work independently of each other in the respective zones but have decided to coordinate their work, exchanging experiences and technical know-how and trying to find common solutions to the problems that arise from the work. We share the costs of tools and materials that are used between the teams and look together at ways of improving the effectiveness of the projects.
CATAS also acts as a support network for groups and individuals doing short-term projects similar to those we are involved in so as to ensure their longer-term success.
We share a set of principles that we believe are necessary for the cohesion of the group and for a good relationship with the communities in which we work:
Self management
Mutual support and cooperation
Direct solidarity with the communities in struggle
Respect for the participation of women
Transparency in the acquisition and use of funds
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