From the Amazon to the global marketplace, Indigenous economies are demonstrating that protecting forests and building resilient livelihoods go hand in hand.

Indigenous communities are strengthening economic models that protect both people and nature. They are also building a self-led global Indigenous trade facility to strengthen local organisations, access markets, influence national and international policies and access more responsive finance.

As part of this journey, the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities and FFORA have supported a delegation of Indigenous economic leaders from South America to tour Europe to better understand european markets.

They have participated to BIOFACH in Germany, the world’s leading organic trade fair then held meetings in Switzerland to engage with key actors in the sustainable cacao sector, including a leading Swiss chocolate producer. Their tour ended at CHOCOA, Amsterdam, one of the leading international trade fairs dedicated to sustainable cacao and chocolate.

This tour has empowered the Indigenous producers by connecting with potential buyers. It has also helped identify barriers and opportunities for exporting Indigenous, forest-compatible products to Europe such as: Guayusa, Fine Aroma Cacao, Vanilla, or Ishpingo (amazonian cinammon).

On the other hand, it was a good opportunity to promote the Indigenous economy rooted in sustainability, territorial rights, and living forests as well as sensitise buyers to the opportunities that an indigenous economy presents.