Pontare was founded to create jobs that promote rainforest conservation and to provide an economic alternative to the logging and non-sustainable farming practices that further degrade the country’s unique terrain. To achieve this goal, Pontare employs 23 artisans to carve jewelry and ornaments from Tagua Nut, a renewable resource that’s often referred to as “vegetable ivory” for its smooth texture and cream color. Tagua Nut, which comes from the Tagua Nut Palm tree, is available year-round in Ecuador and can be harvested without any detriment to the rainforest.
Ecuador’s unique position between the Pacific coast, the Equator and the Andes gives it one of the most unique terrains in the world, with rainforests, rivers, forests and the UNESCO-protected Galapagos Islands squeezed into 276,840 sq km. Still, deforestation, global warming, human contamination and a loss of soil due to volcanic eruptions have threatened this tiny country’s diverse ecosystem.
Pontare’s 23 artisans come from humble backgrounds and work in rural workshops around the country. The fair trade wages they earn at Pontare make a considerable difference to the artisan and his/her family and are often their sole source of income. The company provides each artisan the materials, tools and training they’ll need to work on their own time and manages work distribution from the main office to ensure the work is fairly distributed. Your purchase of an ornament or jewelry from Pontare makes a considerable difference to each artisan and his/her family and promotes rainforest conservation, which benefits the entire community.
