In an emotional event held at the house of the Artisan in Rioja, San Martín, the brand Artesanas del Bosque, or Artisans of the Forest was officially launched. This initiative brings together women from the Alto Mayo Protected Forest who are committed to the conservation of this natural protected area through textile art.
The brand is the result of years of learning, collective effort, and love for biodiversity. Each garment made by the artisans is an expression of identity, memory, and hope, embroidered with emblematic species of the forest such as the spatula-tailed hummingbird, the Kovachii orchid, the spectacled bear, and the yellow-tailed woolly monkey.
During the event, a fashion show was held that dazzled with its creativity and symbolism. The models, queens of the Riojan carnival and the artisans themselves, wore blouses, shirts, bags, and accessories embroidered with local flora and fauna, in a catwalk that was also a declaration of love for nature. Each design was accompanied by a narration that connected the audience with the deep meaning of each stitch.
The president of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs and Defenders of the Alto Mayo Protected Forest (AMEDBAM), Ermila Yzquierdo, emphasized that “this brand not only has a name and a logo, it has a soul, it has a history, and it represents the strength of the women who live in and defend the forest.” Authorities such as Ivonne Paico Vera (Head of the Alto Mayo Protected Forest – BPAM), Leyla del Águila (Conservation International), and José Altamirano (Ecoan) also participated, reaffirming their commitment to women's empowerment and conservation.
The event culminated with musical performances, a toast, and a tasting of local products, in an atmosphere of celebration and pride in the artisans' work. Their products can be purchased through their Instagram page: @artesanasdelbosque, and you can view their catalog here.