News & Events
Webinar Highlights Innovations in the Indigenous Handicraft Value Chain in Brazil
On July 23, 2025, the BIOTRAILS project hosted the webinar “Innovations in the Indigenous Handicraft Value Chain in Brazil,” which brought together 25 participants from across the country, including representatives from NGOs, universities, and artisanal producers.
The event aimed to foster dialogue on innovative experiences, challenges, and opportunities in strengthening the indigenous handicraft sector, by connecting various actors across the value chain—from production to commercialisation.
Moderated by Thaissa Sobreiro and Wendy Francesconi, researchers at the Alliance Bioversity-CIAT, the session emphasised the need for integrated and intercultural approaches to reinforce indigenous socioproductive chains. The event was structured into three thematic blocks. The first block focused on artisans and support organisations. Luciane Lima (FOIRN) presented the case of the Wariró Indigenous Producers’ House, a collective brand and store in São Gabriel da Cachoeira (AM), co-managed by the Federation of Indigenous Organisations of the Rio Negro and artisans from multiple ethnic groups. Helena Kussik, from the Artesol Network, shared insights on digital strategies to promote indigenous handicrafts and addressed the challenges of digital inclusion for these communities.
The second block explored issues related to credit and market access. Flávia Castro, from Banco da Amazônia, discussed financing opportunities for indigenous artisans through PRONAF (National Program for Strengthening Family Agriculture), highlighting the importance of expanding access to technical support and information. Claudio Martins, founder of Bossapack, shared his experience in product development in partnership with indigenous communities, emphasising fair trade practices, respect for traditional production times, and cultural appreciation.
Panellists also reflected on the sustainability of indigenous handicraft production, which relies on responsibly sourced natural materials and artisanal processes that may not conform to market demands for speed and scale. Participants highlighted the need for strengthened support networks, public policies tailored to indigenous realities, and recognition of the cultural and symbolic value embedded in indigenous crafts.
The final block opened the floor for audience interaction. Questions focused on market access, capacity building, and policy support. Speakers emphasised the importance of ensuring indigenous autonomy in managing their enterprises and promoting innovations that align with their cultural values and traditional ways of life.
The event concluded with expressions of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the role of such dialogues in connecting knowledge systems, building partnerships, and inspiring policy and practice that centre on indigenous handicrafts as vital expressions of identity, economy, and sustainability. The webinar emphasised that innovation in this context means reinforcing the connection between territory, culture, and solidarity-based economies.