Ecobreves – VENEZUELA: Chevron Finances Indigenous Artisanry

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CARACAS, Dec 6 2010 (IPS) - The Tierra Viva Foundation launched an artisan training program, financed by the oil giant Chevron, for indigenous Warao communities living in the Orinoco River delta, in the far east of Venezuela. The Warao number some 40,000 people inhabiting the delta and neighboring areas, and have developed a style of artisanry using plant fibers from the moriche palm and from the roots of the sangrito tree.

But many of them have migrated to urban areas, where most end up living in poverty. The transnational oil company Chevron is active in exploring for oil and natural gas in the area.

“The project is intended to improve the Warao people's quality of life, as defender and user of the fragile delta ecosystem, ensuring that they receive the best payment for their labor,” Terra Viva general manager Alejandro Luy told Tierramérica.