Biocomerce and sustainabillity: an analysis around raw materials in Colombian handicrafts

Abstract

  The Colombian handicrafts have reach a high point in commerce, attaining different markets and even positioning as a top status decorative product; nevertheless, there are lacks and deficits in the handicraft sector. A high percentage of the handicrafts works made in the country use plant fibers of wild and cultivated plants as raw materials, having environmental problems related to this activity, and also social and economic conflicts of equal or greater magnitude. In this article we analyze the handicraft work under the glance of Biocomerce and Sustainability, framed in to the Green Economy, a global concept that glaze at a balance perspective of social, environmental and economic development. As main axis for the discution where taked the cases of caña flecha a weaving (Gynerium sagitatum (Aubl.) P.Beauv), esparto basketry (Juncus ramboi Barros), wérregue weaving (Astrocaryum standleyanum L.H.Bailey), tamo application and Guacamayas basketry. The methods used for gather information and the posterior analysis correspond to a qualitative research approach, based on ethnographic principles, developed with tools as semistructured interviews, field walks, journeys of participative observation and workshops between researchers. In the text we evidence and analyze in an integral way some of the conflicts related with handicrafts raw material such as: few visibility of growers and harvesters, deficit on the supply and low quality of raw material, bottlenecks in the handicraft production, lack of legality, absence of sustainable management, unfair payments and limited strengthening to growers and harvesters among others.