Wawazonia

Wawazonia aims to generate income among the villagers of the Shuar communities through investment in the sustainable production of native tree species such as balsa (named Wawa in Shuar) and other local timber species. The project will also establish a Shuar-led Climate Fund that will invest in sustainable economic activities in the villages, such as tourism, craft production, fish farming and the like. EXPECTED RESULTS OF THE PROJECT Establish 200 hectares (500.000 trees) of sustainable FSC-certified plantations in the indigenous Shuar communities. Protect 1000 hectares (10.000.000 sq. m) of primary rainforest in the Shuar communities. Create jobs related to the production and management of plantations and conservation. Market and sell sustainable FSC-certified balsa and timber from the plantations five years after the establishment. Carbon capture through plantation establishment and standing biomass in the primary rainforest. One hectare of forest plantation in the area captures 30 tons of carbon per hectare per year, which donating companies can purchase. Establish a Shuar-led climate fund. The fund will receive DKK 1 per tree planted and 20 per cent of the profit from the sale of balsa wood. In addition, the fund will support community development, such as ecotourism, women's group activities, craft production, the development and sale of traditional medicine, and much more.