Zapatista autonomous communities

Zapatista autonomous communities are indigenous-led regions in Chiapas, Mexico, established by the Zapatista movement since 1994. They operate independently from the Mexican government, managing their own education, healthcare, and justice systems based on indigenous customs and collective decision-making. These communities emphasize land rights, social equality, and resistance to globalization and corporate interests. Their approach promotes participatory governance, where local residents directly influence policies, fostering self-sufficiency and cultural preservation within a framework of autonomy and grassroots democracy.