Visão Geral
Localização: Colômbia
Áreas de impacto: Geração de empregos, meio ambiente, gênero
Público apoiado:
Pequenos produtores e artesãos, povos indígenas, mulheres
Entrada no Portfólio NESsT:
2024
Resumo
Delzur is an international fashion brand that weaves connections between Indigenous communities in the Colombian Amazon through products and experiences that honor their ancestral roots and preserve their natural and cultural heritage. Launched as a spinoff of Hilo Sagrado, Delzur promotes, and exports conscious Indigenous art produced by more than 250 Indigenous community members in 2024, over 90% of whom are women, working to highlight the invaluable contribution of Indigenous communities to protecting the planet. The brand targets US and European customers who seek high-quality, unique, authentic, and sustainable products.
The northern province of La Guajira is the poorest region in Colombia, where over 60% of the population lives in poverty. Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected, with many facing limited access to basic needs including food, health care, and education. Delzur works with eight communities in this region and another four located in Cauca, la Sierra in Santa Marta, Putumayo and Amazonas.
After agriculture, making and selling crafts is the most significant economic activity in Indigenous communities and the primary means of livelihood for many Indigenous women. Despite this, income opportunities often do not recognize their products, wisdom, and heritage. Indigenous women play a crucial role in preserving their cultures and protecting Indigenous territories that safeguard over 80% of the country's biodiversity and natural forests. Their craft is not just a means of livelihood but a profound connection to the earth and their cosmology.
By positioning their quality handcrafted products as conscious Indigenous art, Delzur has been able to secure partnerships with high-end international companies and increase local producers’ net income.
Resultados & Impacto
90%
of Indigenous small producers supported are women
12
Indigenous communities across six regions of Colombia supported
253
Indigenous small producers supported in 2024
““As a NESsT portfolio enterprise, Delzur has the necessary resources to launch projects and activities and support the empowerment of Indigenous communities, giving them the autonomy needed to direct their own path toward economic and social development. This is our aim: to contribute to gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth.””
Investimento da NESsT
Over the next three years, the social enterprise Delzur team aims to further increase the economic stability of Indigenous communities in Colombia while advancing the conservation of their heritage. It plans to sustain and increase the sales to improve the livelihoods of over 500 Indigenous people across 12 communities.
Through one-on-one mentoring and business assistance, NESsT and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship will support the team to establish and position its social enterprise with a focus on key areas such as strategic planning, investment readiness, and branding.
NESsT’s investment will allow Delzur to continue to source artisan products from Indigenous communities and to provide alternative resources and opportunities for the conservation of territories and culture.