Designing with Indigenous Peoples to Protect the Amazon

Click Here to watch inspiring videos about this project.

Formed in 2010 in the Peruvian Amazon, Deep in Forests is a network of indigenous communities and six accomplished Peruvian businessmen and women working together with a shared vision: commitment to the protection of the rainforest and its cultures, by adding value to the Amazon through ecotourism, fashion, carbon credit, food, traditional crafts and furniture industries. The partner communities are comprised of six ethnic groups: Asháninka, Awajún, Ese’eja, Machiguenga, Yanesha and Yine. Each possesses richness in culture, ancient wisdom and resources.

The work involves:

•    Working with indigenous Amazon artisans to develop products and open markets that generate a sustainable economy for the communities, while protecting their culture and rainforests
•    Design and develop products based on their traditional arts and local materials
•    Workshops to maintain quality and consistency
•    Training in business and marketing to run their own businesses independently
•    Set up traditionally built facilities for artisans to have a place to develop and produce their goods
•    Communication tools and training (eg. laptops, computer and internet training)
•    Funding for production of goods.
•    Outfitting communities with needs such as internet, electricity through   sustainable sources (Solar, Wind) where needed, etc.
•   Pay artisans a fair wage for samples and production of goods, as well as give 50% of profits from the sale of goods back to the producing community to use in varied ways through projects that enhance their livelihood, while maintaining their cultural identity

Project History

In 2010, Violeta Villacorta raised funds to build a creative work and show space for the Asociación Sukû artisans of the Cofán community in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The funds allowed the set up of Asociación Sukû's bank account, the purchase of laptops for the Arts Center, and the set up and monthly dues of internet service for the artisans. A computer and internet service in the community is beneficial for communication, sharing their culture with the outside World, as well as collaborating on designs and other needs. Funds also provided the opportunity to purchase tools, supplies and materials; as well as the creation of new collections of high quality products. 

Current Projects

Since then, Violeta has been traveling periodically back to the Amazon in both Ecuador and Perú to continue the work with the Cofán artisans and begin work with three Deep in Forests member Amazon indigenous communities in Perú, the Awajún, Ese'eja and Yine, who work in natural rubber, seed accessories and textiles. Back in the US, she promotes the artisan products through eco and fashion trade shows building relationships with stores to create a sustainable cycle. She also partners with other designers that are looking to work with indigenous Amazon communities in order to bring more sustainable opportunities to these fragile areas.

Future Goals

Indigenous communities in the Amazon have been left on their own, as corporations continually enter their lands to extract resources and are left without viable tools to live in a "new" system, unable to continue living in their traditional ways.

Each community requires varied needs to ensure their success. One of the main goals, as we work together, is to equip each indigenous community with the knowledge and tools, so they can eventually run their businesses independently. Thus creating sustainability that will perpetuate their livelihood, culture, while protecting their Amazon territories.

Donations and Volunteering

You can watch videos of the work we are doing in Ecuador & Perú HERE.

We are currently working on the launch of a  website that will promote the work and products at www.orgbyvio.com

We are Looking for Web programmer volunteer to help put together and upload a website created for the promotion of projects and goods made by indigenous Amazon artisans. This website is one of the vehicles created to help bring light and resources to cultures in the Amazon and support self-sufficiency for the stewards of the rainforests in South America. Please contact violeta@violetavillacorta.com if you can help.

For tax-deductible contributions you can DONATE ONLINE by visiting http://www.amazonwatch.org

Or send a tax-deductible contribution to:

Amazon Watch, 221 Pine St., 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104

Please write "VIOLETA'S AMAZON PROJECT" on memo.