From July 14th -17th, ECOMUSA and the artisan group will participate in the Amazon Expo Fair 2011 in order to create a window of opportunities for accessing new markets, new clients and services, and increasing sales. This exposition could boost the sales of the artisan products as it gives the group access to new buyers. At four previous training sessions in Tarpoto, ECOMUSA and the artisan group were taught how to improve their products and design a brochure, as well as the best way to display our products and set up our stand at the Fair.
Piassaba Project
During this week the community of Chipaota has evaluated new plans to ensure the sustainability of the current piassaba management plan. We are trying to establish the best strategy for educating the partners of ECOMUSA and the community members of Chipaota on how to maintain, harvest and market the piassaba fibers and the products derived from them. We will work with two field technicians to carry out the activities necessary to ensure the sustainability of the piassaba management plan. The technicians will also help in ensuring the sustainable construction of the artisan workshop.
Artisan Project
During the past few months the artisan group has concentrated on the construction of their workshop, which is being built using locally-sourced materials. The construction is progressing each week as scheduled by the artisan group. The members of the artisan group are very enthusiastic about the construction of their workshop and are organizing themselves in a responsible manner to complete the project.
The artisan group is also selecting products they would like to present at the Amazon Expo Fair 2011. Lucia is working with the group to constantly improve the quality and look of the products and discussing the potential for them to initiate their own commercial operations.
