Shi'oi Artesanías de Palma Real is a venture led by women artisans who handcraft items such as bracelets, necklaces, baskets, fans, seed earrings, vine brooms, and basketry. Through our crafts, we promote and raise awareness of our ancestral culture, which we also share through dance, traditional cuisine, and jungle tours. During these tours, we introduce visitors to timber and fruit trees, medicinal plants from our community, and give demonstrations of archery. We also have a pilot plot of land where we practice no-burn farming and grow cacao sustainably. At Shi'oi, we seek to strengthen the leadership of indigenous women, support the local economy, raise awareness of our local knowledge, and promote practices that respect the land through experiential tourism with identity.
Country: Perú,
When did this experience begin?: 15/05/2003
At what stage is the experience currently?: It's a consolidated. established experience
Is the experience legally recognized?: Yes
Where does the experience take place?:
Name of the organization leading the experience: Asociación de Mujeres Artesanas Comunidad Nativa Palma Real
Year in which it was established: 30/12/2021
Acronym (initials) of the organization:
Logo of the organization: 
Description of the Organization:
Address of the organization's headquarters: Casa Shi'Oi Comunidad Nativa Palma Real (Artesanías), Puerto Pardo, Peru
At Shiói, we plan the territory for the collection of seeds and other materials for the production of handicrafts. We sell our handicrafts to improve our economy. We are 35 members, and each artisan collector is responsible for delivering 20 pieces per month to the association, which are then sold at the craft fairs in which we participate. For the artisan women, training and capacity building are important for improving leadership and achieving better results in the processes carried out in our community.
Context: Shi’oi Artesanías de Palma Real is located in the province of Tambopata, district of Tambopata, on the right bank of the lower Madre de Dios River. The collective territory of the Ese Eja indigenous people covers 8,539 hectares. Among the main conflicts facing this community is mining, both legal and illegal, which has contaminated their main water source, affecting the health of the population and altering the food chain on which their daily diet depends. This problem represents an urgent challenge to raise awareness within the community and promote sustainable alternatives that guarantee good living, as ecosystems are being destroyed, compromising the future of new generations. Another growing concern is the impact of climate change on the production of fruits and plants, as well as on the flow of rivers and streams. Currently, during the dry season, the Madre de Dios River has reached historically low levels. Added to this are new forms of commodification of nature, such as REDD+ mechanisms, through which large CO₂ emitting industries pay to pollute, without stopping the damage, which ultimately deepens the violations against local communities.
Social Issues:
Persecution of leadersMigrationOther - Which one?
Other - Which one?: Deserción escolar
Cultural Issues:
Loss of cultural identityImposition of external models
Political Issues:
Absence of public institutionsLack of recognition of traditional authoritiesCorruptionConflictos de soberanía nacional
Economic Issues:
MiningWildlife TraffickingIllegal Economies
Environmental Issues:
PollutionDroughtsFloodsDeterioration of water sourcesClimate changeDestruction of ecosystemsGreen economies (Carbon credits)
| Title | Unit | Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generación de Alianzas estratégicas | Partnerships | 1 | We have formed a partnership with the Enai hotel to promote community-based rural tourism, with the aim of attracting travelers interested in sustainable destinations with an intercultural focus. This agreement promotes the socioeconomic development of the women of the Shi'Oi association in the native community of Palma Real. The tourism proposal focuses on revaluing the ancestral customs of the Ese'Eja people through activities such as dances, music, storytelling, artisanal weaving techniques, and an exhibition of pieces we make with materials from the forests. |
| Generación de Alianzas estratégicas | Partnerships | 1 | The Madre de Dios Brand Management Committee granted us a license to use this regional seal in order to raise the profile of our Amazonian region. From a tourism, cultural, and artisanal perspective, we will continue to promote the unique attractions and products that Madre de Dios has to offer. |
| Generación de Alianzas estratégicas | Partnerships | 1 | We have established a partnership with the @haciendaherreratambopata ecolodge to promote community-based rural tourism, with the aim of attracting travelers interested in sustainable destinations with an intercultural focus. This agreement promotes the socioeconomic development of the women of the Shi'Oi association in the native community of Palma Real. The tourism proposal focuses on revaluing the ancestral customs of the Ese'Eja people through activities such as dances, music, storytelling, artisanal weaving techniques, and an exhibition of pieces we make with materials from the forests. |
| Participación Feria Nacional Ruraq Mak | Trade shows | 30 | Since 2010, Shioi has participated in the Ruraq Maki National Fair twice a year. |
| Participación Feria Perú Mucho Gusto | Fair | 1 | In 2025, we participated for the first time in the Peru Mucho Gusto Fair. |
| Participación Ferias Locales | Holidays | 12 | Since 2022, we have participated in the four local fairs held each year, promoted by the regional tourism board. |
Partners or Allied Organizations
| Organization Name | Organization Role in the Experience |
|---|---|
| Asociación Cáritas Madre de Dios | Aliada |
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