La Cooperativa Agua y Monte SC de RL de CV was formed by seven indigenous artisans from the Náhuatl community of Pajapan in the Sierra de Santa Maria mountains of southern Veracruz where there is over 1,500 acres of tropical and rainforest. Unfortunately, the remaining forest is only 25% of what existed before the lands were cleared for farming. 

Although the cooperative does not own any of its own land, thanks to the principle artisans involved, they practice unity and equality and have succeeded in creating full-time employment for the seven partners, and are sometimes able to generate work for neighbors.

Due to mismanagement and destruction of forests, carpenter’s livelihoods have been harshly impacted as has plant life and organisms such as wild mushrooms, crabs that live in the mangrove areas, other natural plant life, plants with medicinal properties, birds, orchids and bromeliads, a palm common to this area, as well as marketable firewood.

A small group of carpenters came together to begin to reforest their land and to seek an alternative and a more rational use of their wood. Thus, The artisans do not use wood larger than a designated size as part of their reforestation project. Rather, they buy certified wood from the state of Quintana Roo.

Currently, over 30 different crafts are being developed, mainly for utilitarian objects such as bread knives, spoons, forks, candlesticks, etc. The products are sold, without intermediaries, to different stores throughout Mexico involved in eco-resources. Crafts are also sent to other states such as Yucatan, Oaxaca, Xalapa and Michoacán.

This cooperative is a member of the regional organization of the Sierra Tssooka Teyoo AC and has certainly shown themselves to be a model in making better use of our natural resources. When you purchase the products of the Cooperativa, you are helping to ensure that this project succeeds.

La cooperativa Agua y Monte, S.C. de R.L. de C.V.
Col Centro
Pajapan, Veracruz 95960
(924)-264 9104
aguaymonte@yahoo.com.mx
@aguaymonte Instagram