PROJECT SELVA
The Amazon rainforest, a vital ecosystem teeming with life, faces constant threats. Project Selva, a collaboration between San Antonio Zoo and Roger Williams Park Zoo, offers a unique solution: partnering with indigenous communities to conserve their land through sustainable income generation. Born from trust built over decades, Project Selva empowers indigenous artists to create and sell their traditional crafts and gyotaku fish prints, a Japanese art form adapted to the Amazon's rich aquatic diversity. These beautiful pieces, free from harmful materials, connect buyers to the rainforest's guardians and provide a source of livelihood that discourages destructive practices like logging and mining. Funds from the sale of these items go directly back into maintaining the program – which in turn provides a regular revenue stream to indigenous communities. Project Selva's impact is multifold: Preserving the rainforest: By supporting indigenous communities, Project Selva incentivizes them to protect their lands, crucial for maintaining the Amazon's ecological balance. Empowering people: Indigenous artists gain a stable income and a platform to share their culture with the world. Celebrating cultures: Gyotaku workshops fostered cultural exchange, blending Japanese traditions with Amazonian artistry. Recent developments: In 2023, Project Selva purchased a permanent home in Peru, solidifying its commitment to the region. New art supplies will enable artists to create a wider range of pieces, catering to diverse budgets.
(c) Danté Fenolio, Ph.D.
(c) Danté Fenolio, Ph.D.
Gyotaku, a Japanese fish printing technique, involves capturing the intricate details of a fish on rice paper. Project Selva saw its potential to empower Amazonian artists and brought a renowned gyotaku master to train a local team. The artists not only mastered the technique but also infused it with their own unique flair, creating a new art form that celebrates both their culture and the rainforest's rich aquatic life. Project Selva is a model for sustainable rainforest conservation. By supporting indigenous communities, we can safeguard the Amazon's irreplaceable biodiversity and empower its stewards. 18
