History
Started by two young women artisans who shared a love for plant life, AMASIA was formerly an initiative to understand, learn and propagate Artesania (Crafts) among women in the region of Atenas.
The initial projects weren't as fruitful as expected, such as - an attempt to sell home grown vegetables and other organic products. A short struggle later, with some help from the Ministry of Agriculture and Stockbreeding, the women decided to start a orchid breeding and conservation project. A Taiwanese company chipped in to set up special greenhouses for the initiative and thus AMASIA was born.
The project was highly successful and profitable, and the women artisans grew over the years. Volunteers visited frequently to help build infrastructure, help with maintenance and to build sales. Local organisations donated tables, chairs and a refrigerator for storage. Students from different universities continue to visit to study the plants. The women also set up stalls at local fairs to sell plants and help spread the word.
An attempt to sell the food culture of this cuisine loving cosy town, the women also began selling bread, empanadas and other food items typical to Costa Rica to both locals and tourists.
Today AMASIA continues to stand strong purely on the foundation of passion of the hardworking women of Atenas. With over a 1000 plants of over 34 different varieties of orchids, ornamental plants and cacti, AMASIA is one of the largest plant conservation initiatives in the area. Apart from offering native orchids for sale, AMASIA also offers a tour of their greenhouses and the beautiful natural surroundings, to visitors who are interested.
The initial projects weren't as fruitful as expected, such as - an attempt to sell home grown vegetables and other organic products. A short struggle later, with some help from the Ministry of Agriculture and Stockbreeding, the women decided to start a orchid breeding and conservation project. A Taiwanese company chipped in to set up special greenhouses for the initiative and thus AMASIA was born.
The project was highly successful and profitable, and the women artisans grew over the years. Volunteers visited frequently to help build infrastructure, help with maintenance and to build sales. Local organisations donated tables, chairs and a refrigerator for storage. Students from different universities continue to visit to study the plants. The women also set up stalls at local fairs to sell plants and help spread the word.
An attempt to sell the food culture of this cuisine loving cosy town, the women also began selling bread, empanadas and other food items typical to Costa Rica to both locals and tourists.
Today AMASIA continues to stand strong purely on the foundation of passion of the hardworking women of Atenas. With over a 1000 plants of over 34 different varieties of orchids, ornamental plants and cacti, AMASIA is one of the largest plant conservation initiatives in the area. Apart from offering native orchids for sale, AMASIA also offers a tour of their greenhouses and the beautiful natural surroundings, to visitors who are interested.
Las Mujeres de AMASIA
Certificates
EARTH (Escuela de Agricultura de la Region Tropical Humeda) conferred certificate of appreication to the Association of Women Artisans of AMASIA for their collaboration and hostpitality during their field expidtion to study specimens in the greenhouses. This was one of our first big promotions in 2001, and we've had several visiting volunteers and students on field trips ever since.