“The Weavers of the Forest,” the cry of the Wichí women of Tartagal: what to do when the economy is based on an endangered species

In Tartagal, Argentina, the Wichí community faces a complex economic and environmental challenge centered on the use of the chaguar plant. As the local economy relies heavily on this species, which is currently classified as threatened, the community must navigate the tension between traditional livelihoods and conservation needs.

Led by cacica Jorgelina Jara, the Wichí women emphasize a deep cultural connection to the land, asserting that their identity and survival are intrinsically linked to the monte. The situation highlights the broader struggle of indigenous groups in the region to maintain ancestral production methods while addressing the ecological pressures impacting their natural resources.