Around 300 Sanema and Ye’kwana men women and children, from as far away as a week’s river travel, gathered below Para Falls on the Caura River, Venezuela, for the first Palm Climbing Workshop and Competition May 24-26, 2002. During the past decade or so, many indigenous young men have been felling palms in order to harvest their fruit, thus casting aside tradition. By bringing people together to share old climbing techniques, learn new ones, and test each other in competition, this event lead towards a return to sustainable fruit harvests. The incredible enthusiasm of the participants indicates the enormous potential for renewed indigenous conservation of the Caura Basin’s vast rain forests.

Credits and acknowledgements.

Images by Pedro Ruiz

Adjusting and tying gear, day 1

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practicing on competition poles, day 1

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setting up guy lines, day 1

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setting up guy lines, day 1

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measuring foot slings for competition pole practice

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checking harnesses before leaving to forest site, day 2

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checking knots, day 2

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traveling to forest site, day 2

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forest practice, day 2

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forest practice, day 2

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forest practice, day 2

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forest practice, day 2

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forest practice, day 2

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forest practice, day 2

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forest practice, day 2

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testing competition poles, late day 2

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competition, day 3

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competition, day 3

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competition, day 3

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competition, day 3

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finals, day 3

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competition, day 3

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competition, day 3

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competition, day 3

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judges table

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t-shirt table

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t-shirt table

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t-shirt table

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t-shirt presentation and knot test

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active in maintaining Ye’kwana traditions, Emilio Rodríguez conceived of the workshop

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