The Hakhu Project seeds alternatives to extractivism in Serena and neighboring indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon, helping to stop a rapidly accelerating mining industry through economic activity that puts nature and local indigenous cultures first. Hakhu’s goal is is to generate sustainable economic opportunities that empower the community and offer alternatives to extractivism.

One of the ways the Hakhu Project addresses this challenge is through fair trade. Currently, Hakhu buys bananas at double the market price from indigenous growers in the Amazon. These plantains are used to make snacks. We believe in fair trade, establishing equitable ties between businesses and indigenous and local producers.

In addition, the Hakhu Project values and promotes the ancestral knowledge of indigenous communities. The elaboration of handicrafts and community tourism are some of the activities that are promoted to preserve and take advantage of the legacy of indigenous peoples.

We want to empower the community, providing sustainable economic options as an alternative to extractivism. These nature-friendly economic opportunities allow for economic development without compromising natural resources or the ancestral culture of the communities we work with.