"Coconut and Gender Equity: Women's Empowerment

Most important features:

• Courage and Determination: The association of coconut producers in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, stands out for its bold vision and unwavering commitment to progress, despite the unique geographical and social challenges in its region.

• Focus on Innovation: These entrepreneurs not only face challenges, but also transform them into opportunities through an innovative approach and mixed craft processes.

• Sustainability and Resilience: Its focus on organic certification and sustainable production reflects its commitment to excellence and the creation of exceptional quality products.

Differentiation from the rest:
• The association differentiates itself through its ability to transform adversity into opportunity, its courageous approach in disadvantaged communities and its artisanal process that guarantees exceptional quality.
Objectives to be achieved:

• Transforming Lives: Driving the transformation of lives, families and communities through investment in coconut products and sustainable support.

• Sustainable Industrialisation: Promote the industrialisation of coconut products, such as oil, dehydrated coconut, milk and fibre, to generate employment and local prosperity.

• Equitable Ecosystem: Contribute to the development of a sustainable and equitable ecosystem, supporting organic certification and constant innovation.

• Making a Lasting Difference: Challenging donors and investors to be part of meaningful and lasting change in communities, based on courage and determination.
• Forging a Better Future: Through support and investment, contribute to a reality where courage and determination define success, catalysing significant changes in the lives of these women entrepreneurs.

The motives that prompted us to conceive this project emerge from an inspiring context. In the challenging corners of Ecuador, specifically in the province of Esmeraldas, an association of intrepid women coconut producers emerges. Their bold vision and unwavering commitment to progress shines through in the midst of unique geographical and social adversities. On the border with Colombia, where the lack of employment and educational opportunities is intertwined with the threatening presence of subversive groups, these enterprising women defend their vision with inspiring courage.
This project is not only aimed at supermarket communities, but also at individuals who are passionate about healthy eating. People who are looking for authentic and sustainable options to nourish themselves. Their products such as coconut oil, dried coconut, coconut milk and coconut fibre are exemplary of exceptional quality and authenticity.
Transformation is palpable. Your support impacts lives, families and communities. You not only promote the industrialisation of coconut products, but also the development of an equitable and sustainable ecosystem. The pursuit of organic certification demonstrates your ongoing dedication to excellence and innovation.
This is not a simple call to action, but a challenge to make a lasting difference. A call to build a future where courage and determination carve out success. Your investment and support forge a path to prosperity and security in these courageous communities. United in the conviction that collective effort can catalyse meaningful change, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey to make a difference in the lives of these women entrepreneurs and their families. Join us and create an impact that transcends!

Previous experience and equipment
This type of business, focused on the production of coconut oil, dehydrated coconut, coconut milk and coconut fibre, has been passed down from generation to generation, preserving its essence and quality. We are a uniquely complementary team, with driving members and collaborators who bring diverse skills. This diversity guarantees the viability of the project from the very beginning. Our experience in diverse fields enriches and provides the necessary focus to bring it to fruition. We form a solid and highly skilled team, with the expertise required to consolidate it successfully.

Driving equipment
• Melania Catillo and Benjamín Ortiz lead this exceptional project with vision and passion. With the unconditional support of his son, WILMER ORTIZ CASTILLO, he financed his studies in Administration and obtained an MBA in Business Administration. This achievement was possible thanks to the joint efforts of his parents, who were dedicated to the sale of coconut as a raw material and the artisanal production of coconut oil and shredded coconut. Wilmer's vast experience in the commercial and entrepreneurial fields elevates the value of this community enterprise to exceptional levels.
• Engineer Raquel Arteaga has a deep expertise in the field of communication, playing a key role as the person in charge of network management and communication design for the PALMERAS ORTIZ association of women entrepreneurs. Her experience in this field is an essential pillar in projecting the association's vision and products effectively. With a creative and strategic approach, Raquel drives the connection with the audience and enhances the image of PALMERAS ORTIZ in the digital world. Her ability to merge technical knowledge with creativity is a valuable asset to the growth and success of the association.
• Gabriela Requene, an agricultural engineer, brings invaluable knowledge to sustainable farming in this partnership of entrepreneurs seeking to thrive amidst challenges. Her expertise is an essential asset, guiding production in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. Gabriela strengthens the association's mission by ensuring responsible and cutting-edge agricultural practices. Her commitment to sustainability and excellence directly influences product quality and long-term viability. Thanks to her expertise, the association is moving towards a more promising and environmentally friendly future.
• Tallita Ortiz Moreno, a technologist with extensive experience in human talent management, is the force that holds the PALMERAS ORTIZ ASSOCIATION group together and keeps faith in a better future. Alongside her, the members of the association play a crucial role. Each one is an invaluable asset, helping to forge a path towards a dignified and prosperous future for the whole community. Among them are: Yajaira, Erika, Gabi, Yaritza, Betty, Claudia, Magni, Anabel, Dayana, Melani, Andrea, Sonia, Sandro and Alberto. These artisans, also part of the assembly, contribute resources and knowledge, make decisions and guide the direction of PALMERAS ORTIZ. Their commitment is the driving force behind every task. At present, we have almost reached the minimum number of craftswomen necessary to guarantee the economic viability of the project.

Infrastructure
The association operates on around 20 hectares of plantations and owns a plot of land on which work is underway to build a space for the production and storage of products. We are in the process of upgrading the facilities according to the requirements of the certifiers to meet the necessary standards. Each entrepreneur contributes her effort and dedication to the production of small batches, strengthening the quality and authenticity of the products. Together, we are overcoming challenges and moving towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.
• In terms of equipment, our warehouses currently have the basic structure, with some interventions having been carried out, such as the creation of an annex for services. In addition, we have secured the installation of water and plumbing, as well as the implementation of fibre optics to enhance our operations. The next phases will focus on the specific rehabilitation and adaptation of each space as the works progress. Our association, operating on approximately 20 hectares of plantations and with land earmarked for the construction of a production and storage space, is in the process of optimising the facilities to meet the standards required by the certifiers.