Guardians of Nature: The Vital Role of Camelids in Andean Culture and Local Development

In the vast and ancient tapestry of legends that envelops the indigenous peoples of the Andes, the figure of Coquena emerges, also known as Yestay, Yastay, or Llastay. This mythological entity, present in northern Chile and northwestern Argentina, is revered as the protector of mountain animals, especially vicu?as and guanacos. The poetry of Juan Carlos Dávalos from Salta, in his work, transports us to the mountains where Coquena warns about the care of these marvelous animals. The message transcends time, reminding us of the importance of respecting and preserving nature.

The United Nations declared 2024 the "International Year of Camelids", highlighting their crucial role in the subsistence of millions of households in over 90 countries. From the heights of the Andes to the deserts, camelids, including alpacas, llamas, vicu?as, and guanacos, are heroes sustaining life and culture. This global recognition underscores the need to invest in these animals, promoting research, capacity development, and the adoption of sustainable practices.

The camelid textile chain in the Andes is a living testament to the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. This chain, exclusively composed of SMEs, produces garments and accessories made from the fibers of alpacas, llamas, vicu?as, and guanacos. The fibers from these animals, known for their high quality, rival the finest cashmere fibers. Camelid fleece is lighter, warmer, and softer than conventional wool, with vicu?a fiber being considered the finest in the world. Seen as a potential source of sustainable development, this chain offers a range of benefits:

• Increased incomes: Camelid garment production directly contributes to reducing poverty levels by providing employment to local artisans and producers.
• Decent job creation: Job generation in rural areas helps retain younger generations in their communities, preventing migration to overcrowded cities.
• Biodiversity preservation: Camelid herding helps maintain the biodiversity of the Andes, as these species are native to the region and have a low carbon footprint.
• Sustainable production: Unlike plant-based fibers, camelid fibers do not require chemical inputs for production, and their soft hooves help preserve the environment.
• Culture preservation: The artisanal methods used in the camelid textile chain help preserve local culture and identity.
• Durability and reusability: Camelid garments are durable and easily reusable, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

However, despite the enormous potential of this chain, there are still challenges to overcome. For example, only 30% of llamas in northern Argentina are sheared, and for guanacos and vicu?as, this percentage is even lower. Most artisans in the chain live in precarious conditions in rural areas, depending on their work and subsistence agriculture. In Peru, areas with a high presence of camelids are often the poorest, with high rates of infant mortality, malnutrition, illiteracy, and limited access to basic services.

Hecho por Nosotros has been a pioneer in promoting sustainable practices in the camelid textile chain, working closely with local communities and international organizations to promote equitable development and culture preservation. Their work has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of valuing and protecting these species, as well as fostering the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable production practices.

In closing this call to action, let us remember Dávalos' words in his poem, inviting us to reflect on the wisdom of our ancestors in the current context. By taking this ancestral perspective, we can find guidance and direction on our path to a more sustainable and equitable future. The valorization and visibility of ancestral cultures are crucial factors in generating systemic changes and promoting regenerative models. Ancestral cultures, by not separating nature from culture, offer us a collaborative worldview with nature. Therefore, revaluing and preserving these cultures and their languages provide us with valuable tools to abandon extractive logics and adopt collaborative practices in harmony with the environment.

References

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2024). International Year of Camelids. https://www.fao.org/camelids-2024/en?

conference paper?

International Conference on Sustainable Development 2018: Breaking Down Silos: Fostering Collaborative Action on the SDGs?

Theme 09: SDG 09 Globalization, Value Chains and Decent Work?

Authors: Marina, Adriana .; Fernández, M.; Middelkoop, P. (2018). Social and Economic Upgrading of SMEs: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Value Chain Network in the Andean Camelid Textile Sector. International Conference on Sustainable Development 2018: Breaking Down Silos: Fostering Collaborative Action on the SDGs. Theme 09: SDG 09 Globalization, Value Chains and Decent Work.?