Campbell Plowden, founder of Amazon Ecology, is a lifelong advocate for people and nature. With a background in activism and conservation, Campbell now focuses on creating sustainable livelihoods and empowering communities in the Peruvian Amazon. He works with traditional artisans from native and mestizo communities, promoting fair trade handicrafts and strengthening leadership and marketing skills.

Podcast Highlights with Timeline:

0:10 - Introduction to the podcast, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories and connecting with others.

1:00 - Introduction of Campbell Plowden, founder of Amazon Ecology, highlighting his background as an activist and his work with indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon.

1:44 - Description of Amazon Ecology's mission to promote sustainable livelihoods and empower traditional artisans from the Peruvian Amazon.

2:06 - Welcoming Campbell Plowden as a guest on the podcast.

2:31 - Host expresses curiosity about Campbell's work and the organization's approach.

3:12 - Campbell explains his shift from global advocacy to working directly with local communities and the concept of utilizing the diversity of species and cultures in the forest to create sustainable products.

4:30 - Discussion on the challenges of communicating the need to reach a larger audience and the process of adapting products to appeal to different markets.

6:15 - Campbell shares an example of adapting a belt design, leading to the creation of unique snake-patterned belts through collaboration with artisans.

8:21 - Transition to working at the wholesale level and online sales to support more artisans, discussing the shift to a business-like environment and the need to work together for collective success.

11:25 - Highlighting the importance of artisans sharing their skills and working together to tap into larger markets, overcoming competition mindset.

12:13 - Break for an advertisement for Chezuba, a platform connecting volunteers with nonprofit organizations globally.

13:33 - Resuming the conversation with Campbell Plowden.

14:08 - Discussion on managing human resources and cultural differences while respecting the artisans' values and aspirations for economic growth.

15:09 - Highlighting the shift in artisans' expectations and the need to approach craft-making as a means of substantial income, involving marketing skills and storytelling.

16:37 - Incorporating organization building workshops, teaching artisans basic computer skills and storytelling techniques to empower them in sharing their own stories.

17:20 - Addressing the environmental aspect, focusing on the use of the Chaa palm tree and promoting sustainable practices within the craft-making process.