BIOENTERPRISES

The objective of this program is the empowerment of Siekopai women through the production of Neapia (black chili) and other products based on the sustainable management of their resources and ancestral knowledge.

This will contribute to the development of a solidarity economy system to prevent poaching and illegal logging. Our goal is to promote environmental conservation and Siekopai culture through the creation of sustainable livelihoods and income.

Neapia, a signature product of the Siekopai culture, can be used as a spicy condiment for foods, giving them a smoky flavor. This black chili in the Siekopai tradition is usually consumed with yuca (cassava bread), in soups and with other traditional dishes.

We have provided training to Siekopai women to help them sell their products in the Amazon and in other cities, such as Quito, where Raíz has helped these women organize the distribution of their products to local stores and to restaurants where their products can be found.

We also support the processes of legalization of women’s associations, obtaining health permits, and infrastructure through the bamboo construction of a collection and processing center in the community of Wai’ya, in Sucumbíos, in order to implement a standardization process for production of products such as Neapia.