28 March 2025, Otavalo. – In Otavalo, Ecuador, the Museo Viviente Otavalango symbolizes the resilience and cultural richness of the Kichwa indigenous community. Established in 2011 by a collective of twenty Kichwa Otavalo families, the museum occupies the historic Fábrica San Pedro—a textile factory that, for over two centuries, operated on the labor of indigenous workers under exploitative conditions. By reclaiming this space, the community transformed it into a living museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing their ancestral heritage.
Beyond its role as a cultural repository, Museo Otavalango functions as a One-Stop Youth Centre—a model championed by UN-Habitat to serve as a comprehensive resource hub for youth development. The museum offers interactive experiences, such as traditional games, dances, and storytelling sessions, fostering a deep connection between young people and their cultural roots. By providing educational programs and workshops, the museum empowers indigenous youth, equipping them with skills and knowledge to navigate contemporary challenges while honoring their heritage.
Sustainable Textile Practices Aligned with Zero Waste Initiatives
Central to the museum’s mission is the preservation of traditional textile production methods, notably backstrap weaving. This ancient technique, practiced for millennia across various cultures, involves weaving textiles using a simple loom that is tied around the weaver’s back. In Otavalo, artisans meticulously handcrafted each piece, dedicating an entire day to create a single belt. This method emphasizes quality and sustainability, contrasting with mass production techniques that often lead to significant waste.
The Kichwa community’s commitment to sustainable textile practices resonates deeply with the theme of the International Day of Zero Waste, particularly “Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles.” By utilizing natural dyes and materials, and producing textiles in harmony with the environment, the artisans of Otavalo exemplify a zero-waste approach that modern fashion industries are striving to adopt.
Youth-Led Initiatives: The Youth 2030 Cities DeclarACTION and Action Plan on Water
In 2022, during the National Urban Youth 2030 Cities Forum held in Otavalo, indigenous youth leaders identified critical issues impacting their communities, including environmental degradation, cultural preservation, and social inequalities. This culminated in the Urban Youth 2030 Declaration of Otavalo, Ecuador, which outlined strategic actions to address these challenges. Key aspects of the declaration included commitments to:
- Cultural and Heritage Preservation: Revitalizing indigenous cultural heritage, addressing misinformation, and preserving the Kichwa language.
- Environmental Stewardship: Protecting ecosystems, promoting environmental education, and engaging actively in waste management and sustainable resource use.
- Educational Reforms: Improving teacher-student relationships, integrating mental health and sexual education topics, and creating alternative learning spaces for indigenous youth.
- Land and Property Rights: Advocating for inclusive processes to legalize land ownership, ensuring youth access to ancestral territories.
- Gender Equality: Promoting a society free from gender-based violence, with equal opportunities and respect for indigenous women and girls’ rights.
Building on this momentum, the museum spearheaded the “Living Roots Towards a Sustainable Future” Action Plan, focusing on water protection and sustainable management. Prioritizing the protection of Lake San Pablo, the plan emphasizes enhancing wastewater treatment and promoting sustainable practices within the community.
The Kichwa community’s commitment to sustainable textile practices resonates deeply with the theme of the International Day of Zero Waste, particularly “Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles.” By utilizing natural dyes and materials, and producing textiles in harmony with the environment, the artisans of Otavalo exemplify a zero-waste approach that modern fashion industries are striving to adopt.
Municipal Support and Collaborative Efforts
The initiatives led by the indigenous youth have garnered significant support from local authorities. The Municipality of Otavalo, under the leadership of Mayor Mario Conejo Maldonado, has committed to the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), the protection of Lake San Pablo, and the promotion of interculturality. This collaboration between the municipality and the Museo Otavalango underscores a shared vision for sustainable development that honors cultural heritage while addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
Through the dedicated efforts of the Kichwa youth and the supportive framework of Museo Otavalango, Otavalo exemplifies how indigenous communities can lead the way in sustainable practices, cultural preservation, and proactive engagement with global initiatives like the International Day of Zero Waste.
The Kichwa community’s commitment to sustainable textile practices resonates deeply with the theme of the International Day of Zero Waste, particularly “Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles.” By utilizing natural dyes and materials, and producing textiles in harmony with the environment, the artisans of Otavalo exemplify a zero-waste approach that modern fashion industries are striving to adopt.
