When the forest gives much more than wood: the story of the women gatherers of Florida

There is no heavy machinery or extensive operations. The work begins by walking, with boots, sacks on their shoulders, and their senses alert to identify the species that nature offers at the right moment. This is how the members of the Sol Naciente Women Gatherers Association of Manco, in the commune of Florida, work, having transformed the gathering of non-timber forest products into a way of life and of caring for the territory.

The group was formally founded in 2014 with about 30 members and today keeps around 15 people linked to its activities. Women and men are part of the organization, although it has been the women who have historically led the rescue and transmission of knowledge about medicinal plants and their properties.

Its president, Mary Núñez, emphasizes that collective work has been essential to remain active despite the difficulties this activity faces.

Shared knowledge

The products they gather change with the seasons of the year. Pennyroyal, mint, chamomile, St. John's wort, boldo, peumo, matico, rosemary, and various eucalyptus varieties are among the species they obtain throughout the year. They also work with rosehip, one of the products with the greatest potential for developing new products.

The group recently incorporated a machine that allows the pulp to be separated from the fruit, opening new opportunities to add value to their production.

However, the amount gathered never comes in large volumes. As Mary Núñez explains, "we gather what we can bring walking," a phrase that sums up the respect with which they carry out this work and the close relationship they maintain with the forest and its natural cycles.

The organization works on its own land, private land, and on land they access thanks to agreements with forestry companies. Nevertheless, they acknowledge that forest fires and the decline of native forest have considerably reduced the availability of some species such as herbs, mushrooms, and fruits

Patient work

The work continues in the association's processing room, where the herbs are washed, selected, and dehydrated to preserve their medicinal properties. The space has a dehydrating oven, access to water thanks to a deep well, and equipment obtained through various alliances with institutions and partner organizations.

Once processed, the products are sold at local fairs, sold to forestry companies, or distributed through intermediaries. Among the preparations they make, medicinal blends stand out, such as the traditional "pectoral," used to relieve respiratory discomfort, as well as infusions intended for digestive well-being.

The members of Sol Naciente also constantly participate in training sessions given by universities and non-governmental organizations, incorporating new technical and technological tools that strengthen their work.

Living community

But perhaps the main value of the group is not measured in kilos gathered or sales made. For many of its members, Sol Naciente has become a space for gathering, learning, and companionship.

Irlandia Romero, a member of the association, highlights the impact this work has on the daily lives of those who participate. "We come here, we laugh, we talk, we have a little tea, and that helps us a lot," she says, reflecting the spirit that characterizes the group.

Gathering thus becomes an activity that strengthens emotional health, the sense of belonging, and community ties in the rural world.

Despite the difficulties, the women gatherers continue seeking new opportunities to add value to their products, pass on their knowledge, and keep alive an activity that combines tradition, sustainability, and local development.

At Acoforag we value the work carried out by the Sol Naciente Women Gatherers Association of Manco, whose effort shows that the forest gives much more than wood. Non-timber forest products represent a valuable opportunity to promote sustainable rural economies, preserve natural heritage, and strengthen the communities that live with the territory every day.