Amor America - Perfume from the Fruit of the Palo Santo Tree

For many years, the dry forests of Zapotillo in southern Ecuador harbored a resource that would offer an excellent source of income for the poor people of the region. In 2007 and 2008, Nature and Culture assisted the communities of Malvas, Chaquito, Paletillas de Malvas, and Totumos (80 families in all), by developing a program to benefit from the fruit of the Palo Santo tree. The local community members harvest the fruit in a sustainable manner (collecting only 10% of the fruit from each tree), and then in partnership with the Technical University of Loja the essential oils of the fruit are extracted. These fragrant oils are sold to Natura, a Brazilian cosmetics company that develops fine perfumes for the international market, who then produces the Amor America perfume, which is currently marketed in a number of countries around the world.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Amor
• America