The week of July 12th to 15th was very active for Fundación Raíz Ecuador – Caemba and the bioentrepreneurship project with the Siekopai and Siona indigenous nationalities in Sucumbíos. As we mentioned in a previous note, in the first part of the week, several activities were carried out in Siekopai communities in this Amazonian province.
Workshop on Work Mechanisms in San Victorino
This workshop took place on Wednesday, July 14th, in the Siona community of San Victorino in Cuyabeno. Access was made through the Aguas Negras River, which flows into the Cuyabeno River. It was navigated upstream for 15 minutes to reach San Victorino.
The content and dynamics of the workshop were similar to those of Siekoya Remolino. The Raíz team learned in this workshop about the elaboration of traditional Siona products, which are similar to those of the Siekopai since both cultures belong to the same linguistic family and share a common history.
Emilio Pallares, a representative of Fundación Raíz Ecuador – Caemba, participated in one of the workshops.
Nevertheless, the unique differences and characteristics of their products were emphasized. The Siekopai women from Wai’ya, who already have an association and semi-formal production processes, gave a presentation on the techniques they will use to ensure uniformity in the flavor, texture, and spiciness level of the black chili (Neapia). From Raíz, information was provided on the work mechanisms similar to those in Siekoya Remolino. At the end of the workshop, there was lunch for the participants, and the day ended with a visit to the chakras of San Victorino.
Signing of an agreement with the Decentralized Autonomous Government (GAD) of Sucumbíos
On July 15th, Emilio Pallares, a delegate of the board of Fundación Raíz Ecuador – Caemba, was present at the signing of the interinstitutional cooperation agreement between the Decentralized Autonomous Government (GAD) of Sucumbíos, Raíz, and Fundación Lianas, a partner organization in the Bioentrepreneurship project.
The main objectives of the signed agreement are coordination among the actors, support in logistics and transportation within the territory, mingas for the construction of a collection center, and accompaniment and technical advice on agroforestry issues. Present at the event were Lic. Amado Chávez, prefect of Sucumbíos; Oswaldo Osejos, president of CORPOSUCUMBÍOS, and Ana Benítez, Director of Nationalities of the GAD Sucumbíos.
Transportation of beneficiaries of the «United for the Kitchen» scholarship UNICO.
Fundación Raíz Ecuador’s trip to Sucumbíos coincided with the start date of the UNICO scholarship, so the opportunity was taken to transport the scholarship recipients from their communities in the Amazon to Quito. The departure from Lago Agrio was at 12:30 PM, and they arrived at the «El Salnés» restaurant facilities at 7:30 PM to meet with the chef and manager of the UNICO «United for the Kitchen» scholarship, Mauricio Acuña.
