Be the Change you wsh to see

I am a Peace Corps Volunteer working with an indigenous agro-artisan group in the western lowlands of Ecuador. The association is interested in finding economic alternatives to unsustainable agriculture through the elaboration of handicrafts, tourism, and reforestation acivities. Currently, I am involved in the construction of a tourism cabin within the grounds of a culture center where people can visit and learn about Tsa´chila cultural heritage. The cabin is being constructed with local laurel negro (Cordia alliodora), an extremely sustainable tree species considering its rapid growth rate and durable, commercially valuable wood. Complimenting this project is the ongoing reforestation of 5 farms surrounding the tourism center. We are planting mainly laurel negro along roadsides and bordering adjacent farms and reserves to provide a sustainable source of wood for the future.