Fourteen women built their skills in processing sheep and alpaca fiber, culminating their training with the presentation of their textile products at their own booth during the Farmers« Day Fair. This outcome was made possible through the »Crafts with Purpose” subprogram, carried out between April and June 2026 by Conservation and Environmental Research (CIAM), as part of the project Recognition of the Nevado de Tunsho Community Private Conservation Area (ACP), part of the Conserva Aves initiative.
Over the course of 7 sessions, the participants learned about the stages of textile production, from sorting, washing, carding, and spinning the fiber to designing, weaving, and embroidering, as well as basic criteria for evaluating and marketing their products. This process was guided by Mariela Lázaro Reyes, a specialist in the processing of sheep and alpaca fiber, and received technical support from the CIAM team.
Textile products made by the women of Suitucancha – © CIAM
As a key part of the process, the participants incorporated elements of Suitucancha’s territorial identity into their textiles, drawing inspiration from the landscape, biodiversity, and conservation values of the Nevado de Tunsho Community Protected Area (ACP). Among these, the Cinclodes palliatus (huaca pishjo), a bird endemic to Peru that is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, whose presence underscores the importance of protecting this territory. In this way, this initiative transforms textile production into a tool for strengthening territorial identity, promoting conservation, and creating opportunities for sustainable development.
«I enjoyed capturing the natural beauty of Suitucancha in a woven piece—the Nevado de Tunsho or the endangered little bird, the huaca pishjo—so that the local community can become more aware and understand the importance of protecting it. »Participating in these kinds of workshops is very exciting because it’s a great opportunity to learn new and inspiring things,”, says Nilda Salvador of the Suitucancha Peasant Community.
Conserva Aves is an alliance between American Bird Conservancy (ABC), National Audubon Society, BirdLife International, Birds Canada and the Latin American and Caribbean Environmental Funds Network (RedLAC). In Peru it is implemented by Profonanpe in conjunction with Andean Ecosystems Association (ECOAN). It also has the financial backing of the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
