Learn about tagua and the people we work with in Colombia

The smaller tagua, known locally as 'chicon tagua' grows in the upper montane rainforests in the Narino Department of Colombia, about 100 kilometers in from the Pacific Coast. The chicon tagua is collected primarily by Awa Indians who are indigenous to this region and who have faced decades of hardship. The chicon collection helps provide incentive to protect and maintain their rainforest while also providing income to improve their lives. View a slide show and video of chicon tagua collection.

The larger tagua we use comes from the Pacific coastal rainforests of southwestern Colombia. It is collected by Afro-Colombians who are descendants of slaves that were brought over to Colombia centuries ago. The Afro-Colombians are some of Colombia's most marginalized people and the tagua collection provides opportunity and much needed income to help improve their lives. View a slide show and video of the collection of the larger coastal tagua.