Continuing Success stories
Coffee Growers Group: APECAEL
Since 2006, the Agroartesanal Association of Ecological Producers of Specialty Coffee from Loja (APECAEL) has been working to enhance it’s craft and strengthen it’s community.
APECAEL was founded to unite local cafetaleros (coffee producers) and improve coffee production in both quality and quantity. Beyond boosting coffee output, the association actively supports local development and fosters economic growth in the Loja province, a renowned region for high-quality coffee production in southern Ecuador.
Why Choose APECAEL Coffee?
Coffee enthusiasts across Europe value sustainable, high-quality specialty coffee. APECAEL’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, superior coffee production, and the empowerment of small-scale farmers ensures each cup is not only rich in flavor but also contributes to a better future for Loja’s communities and environment.
Beekeeping & Honey:
The community of San Pedro de Vilcabamba is home to a dedicated group of traditional beekeepers who have practiced apiculture for generations. These family-run farms produce hundreds of gallons of exquisite honey while fostering biodiversity by cross-pollinating local flowers and plants, thanks to their expertly maintained bee colonies.
In an exciting development, the beekeepers’ group has recently expanded its offerings to include a honey-based candy bar called Turrón. Additionally, the group is exploring new honey-derived products to diversify its portfolio and enhance its reach in both local and international markets.
Recycled Paper Products:
The Association 23rd of June is a women-led, locally owned business based in San Pedro de Vilcabamba, Ecuador. Founded in 1998 with support from a Peace Corps volunteer, the association is now run by nine dedicated female members.
Their mission is to transform waste paper into beautiful, handcrafted paper products, blending sustainability with creativity. Each week, they collect used paper from local businesses and schools, recycle it into pulp, and craft unique items that showcase the vibrant flora of the community.
What Makes These Products Special?
The hallmark of these creations is the incorporation of real flowers, carefully selected and dried to preserve their natural beauty. These flowers are:
- Hand-picked from the local gardens or responsibly collected from the wild.
- Dried naturally using traditional techniques, such as pressing them between book pages.
- Meticulously applied by hand, petal by petal, to create intricate designs on the products.
Each piece is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, combining sustainability with artistic expression. By choosing these products, you are not only embracing sustainable living but also empowering women and fostering community development in rural Ecuador.
Community Bank of CACSE:
The Community Bank of CACSE (Credit and Savings Bank “Ecological Society”) is a social organization comprised of agricultural producers from the parish of San Pedro de Vilcabamba in the province of Loja, Ecuador.
In 1999, CACSE was established to address the financial challenges faced by the residents of San Pedro de Vilcabamba. Limited access to formal banking institutions, primarily located in the city of Loja, posed significant barriers. These included long travel distances, transport costs, demanding requisites, and stringent lending policies.
Current Operations
Today, CACSE operates out of its office in San Pedro de Vilcabamba, meeting with members and potential clients twice a week. The organization is managed by a skilled accountant and administrator and overseen by a governing board elected every two years from among its 70 associates.
Since its inception, CACSE has allocated over 250 loans, funding projects such as:
- Small animal breeding.
- Rural construction.
- Agricultural production.
- Microenterprise development.
- Emergency financial support.