Since 1999, Associação Vida Verde da Amazônia (AVIVE, Green Life Association of Amazonia) has worked on the island of Silves, deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, to build a trade in aromatic soaps, candles, cosmetics, and perfumes containing the oils of medicinal plants such as rosewood and andiroba. By adding value to the raw materials obtained from native forest species and eliminating middlemen in the value chain, this women-led initiative has improved incomes for its members and associates.

The initiative has involved substantial capacity-building in sustainable harvesting techniques, commercial-standard oil extraction, business administration and marketing. One obstacle to business development was navigating state regulatory frameworks and laws governing the trade of medicinal plants. In overcoming all of these challenges, AVIVE has benefitted from a broad partnership model.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2002

Founded: 1999

Location: Silves island, Amazonas state, Brazil

Beneficiaries: 570 community members

Biodiversity: Sustainable extraction of rare plant species

 

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