UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

01/08/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/09/2025 14:36

Women weavers: resilience and tradition in the heart of the Amazon

Now with support through the Amazon Biosphere Reserves Project, a collaborative effort between UNESCO, LVMH, and the Fundação Vitória Amazônica (FVA) the women have learnt business skills. Finally, the sales of their handicrafts are a way they can support themselves.

We really want the Association to grow. We really want people to work. We want to be able to provide work for everyone all the time because we see the difficulties people face in supporting their families.
Johayne
Treasurer of the artisans, Association of Novo Airão (ANNA)
Strengthening the Novo Airão Artisans Association has made it a pathway to economic independence. The weavers now attract visitors to the building, and the sales of their wares provide a steady income and allow them to continue their traditions. Using natural materials like arumã fibres, vines, and bacaba stems, the women create not only beautiful pieces but also continue a cultural legacy that links their families to the land. Weaving here is a tribute to their heritage, promoting responsible resource use.

The UNESCO, LVMH and Fundação Vitória Amazônica joint efforts
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Amazon Biosphere Reserves Project: resilience and tradition in the heart of the Amazon
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© UNESCO
On a visit to the community, Alexandre Capelli, LVMH Group Environmental Deputy Director, highlighted how the project benefitted both the women and their environment.

The idea is to continue to support them and see how we can develop and grow their business. It's still a very virtuous business, in the sense that it helps combat deforestation. Their business is not linked to deforestation. So, it's really a win-win approach, both for these women and for the forest.
Alexandre Capelli
Deputy Environment Director of the LVMH Group
Weaving a future for Novo Airão: empowerment and resilience through shared challenges
Alberta, a founding member of the association, who learned the art of weaving from her mother and now shares her skills with other women in the community. For her, weaving is about more than just income, it's a way to preserve her identity and community's history.

I want to see this grow, with many people involved. It's a pride I have, to witness this beauty continue... I just want us to keep advancing.
Alberta
Member of the Artisans, Association of Novo Airão (ANNA)
The women continue to face economic challenges, but they support each other and are determined to build their association. Young women are inspired by their example and join the group. Even in difficult times, each artisan continues to weave, aiming to support their families and ensure that future generations remain connected to their culture and environment.

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Conservation and cultural preservation: A vision for the future
The community live in the Central Amazon Biosphere Reserve, one of UNESCO's largest protected areas. This project not only is an income generating project for the community, it's a way to protect both ancestral knowledge and the environment. By promoting sustainable use of local plants and fibres, they protect the biodiversity of their surroundings. This balance between culture and nature exemplifies how local initiatives can contribute significantly to global conservation goals.

With ongoing support from UNESCO, LVMH, and the Fundação Vitória Amazônica, the future of the Novo Airão Artisans Association is promising. These weavers have shown that community strength can overcome adversity, and their story illustrates how tradition can become the foundation of a sustainable and empowering way of life. By expanding their skills, strengthening community bonds, and nurturing their environment, these women are building a future in where their cultural heritage and families can flourish.