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| Since 1986 Fundacion Silataj has provided the isolated indigenous people of north Argentina with assistance in marketing their handicrafts. This in order to develop sustainable local income earning opportunities that will help them gain independence and develop their communities. While respecting and maintaining their unique cultures. | ||
| Material: | Collected dead wood | |
| country: | Argentina | |
| email: | silataj@interprov.com | |
| URL: |
www.fundacionsilataj.org.ar | |
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The Palo Santo tree and the Wichi Indian culture of north Argentina are fighting together for their survival. The past commercial exploitation of the Palo Santo tree has rendered it dependent on a few conservation parks. The Wichi Indians have the unique right to manage this precious resource to create handicrafts. |
| Dead Palo Santo wood is collected from the ground. The wood is not logged. The local Palo Santo wood resource is not threatened by this activity. Collecting the Palo Santo wood in this manner protects the trees. It also gives the Wichi Indians a unique, sustainable and environmentally friendly wood resource for their handicraft production activities. | By choosing not to log the trees the Wichi Indians are also ensuring the preservation of their own culture. The Palo Santo tree has played an important role in the Wichi culture where men have traditionally carved the Palo Santo wood. |
| The dead wood is collected by hand from the ground and transported by hand or by bicycle to the workshops. Choosing hand production over mechanised production significantly reduces CO2 emissions. It also provides asset poor people living in remote areas with local income earning opportunities. |