Rio Napo: Kichwa Indians in the Ecuadorian rainforest
The name Rio Napo comes from the Ecuadorian province of Napo. On the rainforest soils along the Rio Naopo, the Cocoa National develops its special flavors. The Kichwa Indians of the Kallari cooperative live and work according to their time-honored traditions. The chacras, as the small forest gardens with cultivation areas of less than 12 hectares are called. They consist of a colorful mixture of bananas, avocados, papayas, cassava, cocoa and vanilla, as well as other crops, with cocoa growing in the middle of these traditional mixed crops. This is the traditional cultivation method of the Indians. The Indians can live from this and do not have to sell their land. Because they are under pressure: palm oil traders and oil companies are interested. The land grabbers are encroaching further and further into the jungle. To prevent this, the small farmers are taught strategies and methods for sustainable cultivation and preservation of their natural way of life.
The Kallari Cooperative
To the east of the Ecuadorian Andes lies the federal state of Tena, which is part of the Amazon region. This is where the Kallari cooperative, founded in 1997, works and in which around 2,000 Kichwa smallholders are now organized. The Kichwa name "Kallari" means "past, present and future". The name alludes to the goal that the cooperative has set itself: To preserve the traditional way of life of the Kichwa communities in the future. They are supported by GEO schützt den Regenwald e.V., which aims to ensure that the indigenous smallholders have a source of income as an alternative to deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. The aim is to preserve this way of life, promote Organic diversity and give them prospects for the future. Their forest areas are cultivated in an agroforestry system, i.e. they consist of an ecologically adapted coexistence of different species, including manioc, maize, bananas, papayas, pineapples, avocados, medicinal plants, timber such as balsa, cinnamon trees, various types of palm and countless other tropical crops. These mixed crops feed the families. The forest does not need to be cleared for this. In addition to cocoa and the cultivation of cocoa seedlings, vanilla has become a new source of income. Since the start of cooperation with GEO, the average income of the Kichwa families has increased almost fivefold.
In addition, the quality of the cocoa has been improved. By improving the processing of the cocoa, its exportability can be increased and more farmers can be included in the cooperative. The project is a win-win situation for everyone: the Indians have a solid income, the jungle is preserved and we can look forward to good Rio Napo Chocolate. Available here at Chocolats-de-luxe.com.
Cocoa Nacional only grows in Ecuador
This cocoa variety is also known as Arriba. The cocoa is highly aromatic and is traded as fine cocoa. The firm buyer of the cocoa is the company Felchlin from Switzerland. There, the precious cocoa beans are carefully roasted and refined together with the finest ingredients for two days in a longitudinal conche. Until the unique aroma and delicate melting of the Rio Napo Grand Cru Chocolate is perfect. A wonderfully creamy Chocolate in the Swiss tradition.
There are 4 varieties of Rio Napo Chocolate: Chocolate bar, Hot Chocolate and cocoa beans-nibs in Chocolate:
- 40% Swiss milk chocolate pure
- 40% Swiss milk chocolate with cocoa beans pieces
- 73% pure Swiss dark chocolate
- 73% Swiss dark chocolate with coffee
- 70% Swiss Hot Chocolate
The products in the Rio Napo chocolate range are all Organic certified and are made in Switzerland. Felchlin ensures that you have a unique taste experience with Chocolate.
