jepirach Va n e s s a C a b r e r a F i g u e r e d o .
Telling stories through sports
At the beginning, in the midst of silence,
created the winds. In the air he started
stillness and loneliness, there was only
running in different directions. With them is
MALEIYA, the sun, the moon and the stars
JEPIRACH, the wind of the north.
for light and clarity; then create MMA, the earth, the water and the air for there to be life. And it was so that the waters in his litter knew the earth and fell in love with it.They showed their power with darkened skies, thunder and lightning, first some drizzles and at the end they unloaded on it to fertilize it.
MALEIYA then made the plants and animals, giving each thing the spirit that corresponded for there to be movements. All of them were enough by themselves and fulfilled their mission; To the plants he gave them many shapes and sizes so that they would produce flowers, fruits and seeds abundantly and place them in all
MALEIYA decided the place where the
places on earth; also provide the animals
rivers would run and it would be the most
with many shapes, sizes and colors. He told
and for them; PARA, the spirit of water and
them what to eat and where to go.
THE BEGINNING
Book Reference: NOSOTROS LOS WAYUU
Telling stories through sports
WELCOME! This is Jepirach
C
abo de la Vela, a remote tourist
indigenous ethnic group that in the past
destination
of
eight years saw 4,770 of their children die
Colombia, an ethnic group called
due to problems related to hunger and lack
the Wayúu, are seeking to master the art of
to drinkable water. According to reports
kite surfing, a sport that in addition to the
collected by the Inter-American Commission
challenge of competition, has become a
on Human Rights (CIDH).
in
the
far
north
source of income in this impoverished region of the Caribbean. On the shores of the blue and crystalline sea of La Guajira, 15 young Wayuu, between 9 and 22 years old are training to participate in high performance competitions La Guajira, bordering with Venezuela, is one of the poorest regions
B
eing the northernmost point of South America,
the
Guajira
has
strong
constant winds, which makes this
place “inhospitable and forgotten”, but “perfect” to practice kite surfing.
of Colombia and inhabits the Wayúu, an
The Wayúu “are very strong (...) and they are not tall, so they are fast”,
Telling stories through sports
THIS IS JEPIRACH
M
ake alliances with: Foundations like;
healthy tourism in the location, spread the
Amigos del mar is a Foundation
culture, activate the economy of the region
that seek to generate sustainable
and appreciation of the magical stories that
social development projects in Cartagena,
Wayuu have in that area of the country, in
Colombia, through art, culture and water
order for the foreign athletes to understand
sports. and Kite surfing schools & shops.
the principles and meaning of being there,
C
hildrens are part of the workshops of the foundations to develop the products during the practice of
kitesurf and stay in the foundation. The use of local materials and Wayuu techniques, in order to sell the products in stores and make
by taking a piece of the country through these objects.
“
The idea is to help the economy of the
place and get the children out, and also to promote sport in the Wayúu children
of the region”
this beautiful project: the union of sport, culture and Wayúu traditions. Increase the children are the future, agents of change and the next generation of the world
Telling stories through sports
The Bauhaus strives to bring together all creative effort into one whole, to reunify all the disciplines of practical art - sculpture, painting, handicrafts, and crafts - as inseparable components of a new architecture. Walter Gropius
Telling stories through sports
HOW JEPIRACH BORN? Based on the Wayuu dictionary, Jepirachi means gods of the north east wind
I
born in Bogota, Colombia (capital of the
regions have been responsible for creating their
city), I have always had a great approach to
identity in each craft, showing their talent and
my country, having the opportunity to know
ingenuity to expose the diversification that exists
it in 70%, traveling through it, sharing with
in every corner of Colombia. From La Guajira to
communities in each region, doing social projects
Amazonas and from Nariño to the Orinoquía, our
with indigenous communities, for this and more
artisans are proof of the enormous creativity that
reasons I admire the craftsmanship of my country
characterizes this nation.
that have positioned themselves as merchandise of high quality and variety that constitute one of the letters of presentation we have before the world. Our wide geography and culture, as well as the expert use of materials that our artisans implement, are some of the characteristics that the country has in this sector. The different
To put all of this in perspective, 68.7% of Colombia’s surface is covered by natural ecosystems.
Telling stories through sports
Telling stories through sports
T
he choice of composite materials
danger of extinction, while out of 284 species
comes from Colombia’s second place
of land animals evaluated, 41 are critically
in the countries with the greatest
endangered, 112 are threatened and 131
biodiversity in the world, surpassed only by
are considered vulnerable. The Colombian
Brazil. By 2016, 56,343 species are registered
land offers the artisan the possibility of
in Colombia, of which 9,153 are endemic.
creating his objects with different materials;
The country occupies the first position in
at your fingertips you have products such
the world in number of species of orchids
as bamboo, wool, fique, clay, wood, leather,
and birds, the second position in plants,
totumo and precious metals, raw materials
amphibians,
freshwater
that require implementation techniques for
fish, third place in species of palm trees
their finishing. The Colombian creations are
and reptiles and the fourth place in the
a sample of the Taste of our country being
biodiversity of mammals .
the maximum expression of culture and
butterflies
and
idiosyncrasy that surrounds us.
The Colombian side of the Amazonian jungle alone is home to 10 per cent of the world’s biodiversity and produces 15 per cent of the world’s oxygen.
D
uring 2 years I had the opportunity to acquire the professional experience of working with a multinational
company that handles composite materials and during the studies in the master I identified how I could combine this
A
biodiversity of my country in a product,
ccording to a WWF report, about
taking advantage of the characteristics of
half of the ecosystems that exist in
composite materials.
Colombia are in critical or endangered
condition. Likewise, of 1853 species of plants evaluated, 665 (36%) are threatened and in
Telling stories through sports
Telling stories through sports
Telling stories through sports
“La ciudad de la eterna primavera” (the city of the eternal Spring) says plenty about the beauty of Colombia’s second biggest city, Medellín. Once known as the home of the ruthless drug lord Pablo Escobar, its thriving textile industry has helped shed its past reputation and replace it with a growing fashion industry. Medellín hosts two important annual fashion-related events: Colombia Moda and Colombiatex.
Telling stories through sports
WHY KITESURF? Water sports were always my passion, I was 5 times national champion of Wakeboard.
C
olombia is a country that is slowly
comforts. It takes a minimum of time for
developing in the kite and offering
this kind of trip, the access conditions are
superb
sailing,
quite complicated. But behind it is a trip
especially on the Caribbean side, in the
that is definitely worth it. Cabo de la Vela is a
north of the country. The most famous spots
flatlapped spot. The wind is really consistent
today are Santa Veronica, located between
in this area, and blows almost all year round.
Cartagena and Barranquilla, and Cabo de
A small wing (6 or 7 depending on the
la Vela, a more distant spot located in the
template) is almost mandatory, and a 9/10
far north of the country. The spots are still
can complement the quiver.
conditions
for
poorly developed, Do not expect to find 50 schools and all the necessary infrastructure. It is rather in a plan at the roots even if the accommodations offer all the necessary
Civilization has been a permanent dialogue between human beings and water
Telling stories through sports
Telling stories through sports
Telling stories through sports
WHYBIOCOMPOSITES?
M
ost sport boards are almost entirely made from petrochemical products and resins.Efforts have been made
to help improve this chemically-driven and environmentally-detrimental
process,
B
iocomposite materials made from natural fibers and/or bio-based resins are making inroads into markets ranging from
automotive and building materials to clothing
by
and sporting goods. According to Lucintel, the
switching up materials, creating bio-based
global biocomposites market should grow by
alternatives, and recycling existing foam, for
7.9 percent from 2018 through 2023, reaching an
example the biocomposites are These kind of
estimated $7.6 billion in value. The benefits of
materials often mimic the structure of the living
using natural fibers for composites begin with
materials involved in the process keeping the
their optical and haptic properties, according
strengthening properties of the matrix that was
to Partanen. Natural materials allow composites
used, but always providing biocompatibility.
to cool much sooner, reducing the cycle time in
The matrix phase is formed by polymers
injection molding. In general, natural fibers can’t
derived from renewable and nonrenewable
achieve the strength of carbon fiber composites
resources. The matrix is important to protect
and they don’t have the same tensile or impact
the fibers from environmental degradation and
strength as GFRP. Natural fiber composites are a
mechanical damage, to hold the fibers together
better environmental choice than GFRP because
and to transfer the loads on it.
they have a 20 to 50 percent lower carbon footprint.
Telling stories through sports
WHAT IS BIOCOMPOSITES?
B
iocomposite (bio from Greek ‘alive’)
crops (cotton, flax or hemp), recycled wood,
is a composite material formed by
waste paper, crop processing byproducts or
a matrix (resin) and a reinforcement
regenerated cellulose fiber (viscose/rayon).
of natural fibers. These kind of materials
The interest in biocomposites is rapidly
often mimic the structure of the living
growing in terms of industrial applications
materials involved in the process keeping
(automobiles,
the strengthening properties of the matrix
military
that
packaging)
was
used,
but
always
providing
biocompatibility. The matrix phase is formed
due
by
cheap,
polymers
derived
from
renewable
to
railway
applications, its
and
aerospace,
construction,
fundamental
great
recyclable,
coach,
benefits and
and
research,
(renewable,
biodegradable).
and nonrenewable resources. The matrix
Biocomposites can be used alone, or as a
is important to protect the fibers from
complement to standard materials, such as
environmental degradation and mechanical
carbon fiber. Advocates of biocomposites
damage, to hold the fibers together and
state that use of these materials improve
to transfer the loads on it. In addition,
health and safety in their production, are
biofibers are the principal components
lighter in weight, have a visual appeal similar
of biocomposites, which are derived from
to that of wood, and are environmentally
biological origins, for example fibers from
superior
Telling stories through sports
Telling stories through sports
Characteristics: The differential for this class of composites is that they are biodegradable and pollute the environment less which is a concern for many scientists and engineers to minimize
the environmental impact of the production of a composite. They are a renewable source, cheap, and in certain cases completely recyclable.[4] One advantage of natural fibers is their low density, which results in a higher tensile strength and stiffness than glass fibers, besides of its lower manufacturing
We humans have become dependent on plastic for a range of uses, from packaging to products. Reducing our use of plastic bags is an easy place to start getting our addiction under control. David Suzuki
costs. As such, biocomposites could be a viable ecological alternative to carbon, glass, and man-made fiber composites. Natural fibers have a hollow structure, which gives insulation against noise and heat. It is a class of materials that can be easily processed,
Telling stories through sports
and thus, they are suited to a wide range
Products made from composite materials can offer significant
of applications, such as packaging, building
environmental benefits because of their characteristically low
(roof structure, bridge, window, door, green
weight, good mechanical properties, excellent resistance to
kitchen), automobiles, aerospace, military applications, electronics, consumer products and medical industry (prosthetic, bone plate, orthodontic archwire, total hip replacement, and composite screws and pins)
corrosion and the possibility of being sustainably sourced.
Telling stories through sports
Telling stories through sports
WHY WAYÚU ´ S?
L
ocated
deep
in
the
La
Guajira
desert, close to the Colombian and Venezuelan border, is a traditional,
historical, indigenous community who are
T
he Wayuu tribe occupy 4,170 square miles
(10,800
square
kilometers)
within the desert covering a large area
in both Colombia and Venezuela. In 1997
known as the people of the sun, sand and
there were around 144,000 individuals from
wind – the Wayuu tribe. Arriving in La Guajira
the tribe residing in the Colombian region,
from the Amazon rainforest and Antilles in
and in 2001 there were 294,000 located in
150A.D. to escape the hostile environments
the Venezuelan region.
and find a new home, the Wayuu people have battled, the Government and, currently, mother nature – to keep their traditions alive.
Telling stories through sports
T The indigenous Wayuu tribe have been fighting for their rights for centuries, and now their way of life is becoming threatened through no fault of their own, with mother nature destroying their habitat.
he a
Wayuu number
traditions
tribe of and
has
predominately in huts called
ancient
rancherĂas made from cactus
rituals
or
palm-leaf-thatched
roofs,
they keep alive, living in small,
yotojoro (mud, hay or dried cane)
isolated communities, of which
walls with basic furniture which
there are around 10 in the La
includes hammocks for sleeping
Guajira department of Colombia
and a small fire pit for cooking.
and Venezuela. In the past living in
these
small
communities
was to prevent the mixing of goats, cows and crops. They live
Telling stories through sports
The world is full of amazing rivers and lakes, but how many are as colorful as Caño Cristales? It’s commonly referred to as “the river that ran away to paradise.”
Telling stories through sports
M
artĂn Vega, who opened a training school on the spot six years ago, in which he has trained three
generations of indigenous people. Vega, born in the Caribbean municipality of Puerto Colombia, explained that some of them even dictate classes of this sport to tourists to sustain themselves.
Telling stories through sports
T
he expert organized the III Kite Addict Championship, which at the beginning of July brought together
75 Colombian, Australian, Swiss and German competitors, and had as guest of honor the ten times freestyle world champion,the wayĂşu Joal Freyle was crowned as the best in the Intermediate Slalom category, while in advanced freestyle won the Cartagena Luis Fernando Vera, in Slalom Ladies the Swiss Cristina Varveris and Slalom Novatos the Colombian Francisco de la Espriella.
Telling stories through sports
P
art of my project talks about to Tell stories as
through
sports,
it
started
project of Colombian culture
recognition,
alternative study of different
locations of Colombia where Kitesurf is practiced and indigenous weaving traditions live. During the research i found some inshights, the firs one is:
S
ame place where the kitesurfers resides to practice the sport is the same place where the artisans live.
8 W
0% of the population practicing this sport in Colombia are foreigners.
earing a helmet when
they
practice kiteboarding could save their life. Dozens of people relate
their stories over the years and they have been certain the importance of the helmet, if not would have been seriously injured or even died.
Telling stories through sports
Then i ask yo my self ‌ how might we ‌ keep the Colombian tradition within a totally foreign sport
Telling stories through sports
K IC C S
ey performance indicator. : Initially
nvite professionals to live the experience (poster)
KPI KPIs the company enables the team to make smart business decisions about the direction of all current projects
reate an annual product ( unique per year)
reate alliances with 2 shopcenter in la guajira to sale the product pread the message
Telling stories through sports
T
hen: Replicate the strategy to develop another product by artisans of the region (board,
handle, ropes, belt, bags). Develop with high teck the helmet. Create seasonal products. Alliances with ArtesanĂas de colombia and Marca paĂs. Find sponsors( Redbull, LiquidForce, QuickSilver, DC shoes)
F
uture: Have a product in the 5 sectors where kitesurfing practiced the sport in Colombia.
Be present in more than 1 countries
Telling stories through sports
Telling stories through sports
Prototypes and exploration of materials on surfaces
THANK YOU Vanessa Cabrera Figueredo