Migrantour Naples

Migrantour Naples

Migrantour Naples

Naples, Italy

Impact

The Casba Social Cooperative runs tours led by migrants to Naples, with the main goal of improving the lives of migrants by fostering acceptance from locals. Tours are created for local Italians, as well as tourists, students and anyone else interested in discovering their area from a fresh perspective to get to know newcomers to their city. Through tour guides who are migrants themselves, locals and travellers are exposed to the beauty created by a melting pot of cultures, languages, and religions living together harmoniously in Naples. Planeterra’s partnership with Casba enabled their tour guides to receive tourism training from a local professional, and also brings in much-needed revenue from tourism for the organization’s efforts.

8
guides employed
24
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Europe currently faces the greatest migration challenge since the end of World War II, with a large number of people seeking refuge from war, poverty, and political instability. More than 500,000 migrants have landed at Italian ports alone since 2014. The Italian government continues to ask the European Union for financial support to manage the flow of migrants, mostly arriving from North Africa, but the flow of migrants to the country continues to grow. There is a need to develop avenues through which various communities can integrate in a way that appreciates and celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Our Involvement

Planeterra partnered with Casba Social Cooperative in 2018, connecting the organization with a steady stream of travellers for their walking tours. The Casba Social Cooperative is a non-governmental organization and cultural mediator that works with migrants to help them integrate and become more accepted into Naples society, avoiding the spread of negative stereotypes, considering diversity as a resource. Planeterra’s partnership with Migrantour Naples and Casba allows travellers to learn about aspects of Naples that have been influenced by new cultures and religions brought by newcomers to the city they now call home. Planeterra provided funding for local training for Casba’s guides, as well as guidance from a tourism professional on product development, as well as public speaking and storytelling. 

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Migrantour Rome

Migrantour Rome

Rome, Italy

Impact

Through tour guides who are migrants themselves, travellers are exposed to the history of migration in Rome, and the beauty created by a melting pot of cultures, languages, and religions living together harmoniously. At the same time, newcomers are placed at the heart of the proposal, sharing their fresh perspective and multiplying the opportunities for meeting and dialogue. Not only does Planeterra’s partnership with Migrantour Rome help to spread their message, but also brings in much-needed revenue from tourism for the organization’s efforts across Europe through Planeterra’s links in the tourism industry.

7
guides employed
331
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Europe currently faces the greatest migration challenge since the end of World War II, with a large number of people seeking refuge from war, poverty, and political instability. More than 500,000 migrants have landed at Italian ports alone since 2014.

The Italian government continues to ask the European Union for financial support to manage the flow of migrants, mostly arriving from North Africa, but the flow of migrants to the country continues to grow. There exists a drastic need for economic opportunities and social programs for migrants entering Italy in search of a better life.

Our Involvement

Viaggi Solidali is a social cooperative operating since 2004 that promotes responsible tourism. In 2010, they conceived and developed the Migrantour project in Turin, which has since extended to other cities. Migrantour Rome is part of Viaggi Solidali, while the Migrantour network extends to other European cities managed by different non-profit organizations

Partnering with Planeterra, Migrantour Rome created an “alternative” tour that shows the multiculturalism, and hidden gems of Rome that make the city unique and diverse. Guests participate in a tour led by a newcomer to the city, who takes them to various shops, associations and places of worship for a wholesome intercultural experience that tourists in Rome rarely see.

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Guneysinir Community Park & Almond Co-op

Guneysinir Community Park & Almond Co-op

Guneysinir, Türkiye

Impact

The almond plantation cooperative that doubles as a community park provides not only a source of shade and water retention but a source of income once almonds can be harvested. Another added benefit is that it is becoming a place for families and visitors to enjoy together. The first harvest is expected in 2021, creating new jobs for the community. Additional profits will be invested into local women’s empowerment and children’s education programs. The park is maintained by a local family that was in need of regular employment. While the father maintains the land, the children host travellers with snacks and showcase their handmade crafts to sell. This provides an opportunity for income and the chance to boost confidence through tourist interactions.

300
almond trees planted
4,000
community members benefitting

Critical Need

The town of Guneysinir is located in a region that receives very little precipitation, with rainfall dropping to less than 10mm between the months of July and September. In addition to the stress imposed by drought and climate issues, this area is in need of alternative economic opportunities for its growing population. Unlike the more popular touristic Western side of the country where job opportunities are diverse and plenty, people of Guneysinir rely heavily on agriculture for income. The addition of an almond orchard to this community provides an attainable means to combat drought, a place for community members and visitors alike to enjoy, and also a sustainable model for social enterprise development. 

Our Involvement

This project was inspired by conversations with G Adventures’ local team in Turkey and the residents of a nearby homestay experience. With the help of the local municipality, a 10,000 sq.m. plot of land was identified for the park and the community was able to plant new almond trees on this land.

Planeterra provided a grant which has covered initial tree planting and maintenance expenses for the land, as the community patiently works towards their first harvest. Planeterra has secured income for the community through corporate partner G Adventures’, as travellers visit the park and enjoy a snack made by a local family, supporting a budding social enterprise.

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çöp(m)adam

çöp(m)adam

Ayvalik, Türkiye

Impact

çöp(m)adam offers regular work to 10 women in Ayvalik, with all members working in a healthy and hygienic environment in the shop or at home, and being paid a fair wage. With guaranteed regular employment, members of this social enterprise are able to make significant contributions when it comes to providing sustainability for their families and communities.

10
women employed
40
community members benefitting

Critical Need

çöp(m)adam started as an experimental project in Western Turkey addressing the issues of women’s employment and the importance of recycling/re-using. It aims to utilize waste in a creative, aesthetic, and unique way. A group of Turkish women have created one-of a kind accessories using waste materials that puts glamour into recycled goods. “çöp” means “garbage” in Turkish; “madam”, the same as the French word for “female”. “çöp(m)adam” (Literally “garbage ladies”) is symbolic of this meaning – taking garbage and turning it into something fashionable and fun.

Our Involvement

Planeterra worked with çöp(m)adam to connect the social enterprise to a customer market, helping them to expand their customer base and benefit more women working in impoverished communities in Turkey. When travellers visit the workshop during a trip to Turkey, and purchase their products, they are directly supporting the women that made them.

Planeterra helped ensure guaranteed revenue streams by having G Adventures’ purchase a tote bag for every traveller that visits, supporting the growth of the enterprise and promoting plastic reduction for travellers.

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magdas HOTEL

magdas HOTEL

Vienna, Austria

Impact

magdas’ social enterprise mission is to empower and educate refugees and migrants in the hospitality and tourism industry. The hotel provides spaces for ten newcomers to Austria with placements at the hotel, allowing them to shadow ten industry professionals. This job-shadowing and mentorship between refugees and professionals in the industry is an important part of the program, alongside Caritas’ initiatives like language lessons and other services. The idea here is that refugees will later be hired by other hotels in tourist-heavy Vienna, allowing a steady stream of refugees to learn hospitality skills at magdas.

43
refugees/
migrants employed
129
community members benefitting

Critical Need

The global refugee and migrant crisis has displaced more than 60 million people around the world, with many attempting to seek refuge in nearby Europe. Globally, about 40,000 people are forced to leave their homes every single day, and although many have moved to Northern European countries like Austria, they are unable to find work because of barriers in language, customs, and citizenship status. It is estimated that well over 100,000 refugees are living in Austria right now. Employment opportunities and training for refugees is an important step in assisting newcomers and their families.

Our Involvement

“Magdas” comes from the words “I like that” in German, and is an initiative that is run by the non-profit Caritas. magdas HOTEL is the first social business hotel in Austria, designed to provide opportunities for migrants that have arrived to Vienna as refugees. The hotel is a true, community-powered initiative, with over €56,000 crowdfunded to convert an elderly residence into what is now a thriving accommodation, with help from local designers from the nearby Academy of Arts. Even the hotel furnishings are donated, up-cycled, or recycled, and the hotel hosts many sustainable initiatives, including the harvesting of honey from beehives on the roof. 

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Wise Greece

Wise Greece Athens, Greece Impact Wise Greece is a non-profit social enterprise with a double mission: supporting small farmers and producers of Greek products across the country, and using the profits to purchase food for the homeless, children, and elderly in need. They work with the best Greek producers, to get their products into shops in Greece and abroad, raising awareness and support for the Mediterranean diet and Greek products like food, spices, and natural cosmetics. Profits from the organization are used to provide food supplies to other organizations such as the Solidarity Center of the Municipality of Athens, supporting people in need, and the Emfasis Foundation, feeding individuals experiencing homelessness. Planeterra works to introduce tour companies and travellers to Wise Greece’s stores and products. 100 Food Producers 2,500 Products Critical Need Homelessness is a significant social issue in Greece, which was exacerbated by the Greek Financial Crisis which started in 2009, during which an estimated 111,000 Greek companies filed for bankruptcy. There is currently no accurate record of how many Athenians are experiencing homelessness, but the official unemployment rate hit almost 28% during the economic crisis that devastated the country over the last few years. Wise Greece is a non-profit organization with a mission to support local Greek farmers and producers, all while purchasing food for those in need. Our Involvement Planeterra began partnering with Wise Greece in 2020, introducing products from the organization onto the sailing itineraries of their travel partner G Adventures. Through this partnership, thousands of travellers sailing the Greek Islands will enjoy Wise Greece products such as salt, honey, tea and olive oil. Stocking these small vessels will increase Wise Greece’s revenue and is also a great marketing tool, as their products are sold internationally in destinations like Sweden and the United Kingdom. It also helps travellers to Greece give back to the local community during their visit.  Related projects View all projects > Moshi MamasNyamirambo Community Tour View all projects >

DESA

DÊSA Dubrovnik, Croatia Impact The sustainable income generated by travellers will allow for DEŠA to expand the reach of its community and women's projects. The ripple effects from visitors will be felt throughout the organization and the communities in which they work. From improving rural employment to empowering female entrepreneurs, DEŠA will be able to continue providing opportunities for those who have been left marginalized in their community. 7 people employed 21 community members benefitting Critical Need Founded during the homeland war, DEŠA was born when a group of locals from Dubrovnik partnered with refugees and made a small handicraft business. Now, they continue as a women’s centre which provides victim support while acting as a centre of cultural preservation. From the beginning, the founders of DEŠA knew it was important to not just provide emotional support for fellow women but to connect them to meaningful work that would make them feel empowered. In anticipation of tourism’s return to Dubrovnik, DEŠA provided computer and language courses so women could have the opportunity to take part in what was to become a booming tourist economy. Through selling handicrafts made by women across the country, and providing tourists with the opportunity to learn about traditional costumes, weaving, and cooking, DEŠA is contributing to the sustainable and inclusive development of its communities. Our Involvement Through our Partnership with DEŠA, Planeterra will be providing a small grant to assist in capacity building as well as training and collaboration in developing a new cultural experience for travellers. Planeterra also facilitated a partnership between G Adventures and DEŠA, which means a consistent stream of travelers gaining insight into DEŠA’s mission and experiencing traditional Croatian culture, all while providing sustainable income for the organization’s community work. Related projects View all projects > Moshi MamasNyamirambo Community Tour View all projects >

Shedia Home

Shedia Home Athens, Greece Impact A regular customer base to the brand new Shedia Home, a café which opened in May 2019, provides valuable sustainable income for Shedia’s programs. Planeterra’s partnership with Shedia also increases the visibility of Shedia’s Invisible Tours, a tour of Athens which “makes the invisible, visible” conducted by a guide experiencing homelessness, as well as Shedia’s art project, which trains and employs individuals experiencing homelessness. Look above you when you visit the café - the art installment hanging from the ceiling represents the 43 individuals who now have homes thanks to their connection with Shedia. 250 community members benefitting 1000 community members indirectly benefitting Critical Need Homelessness is a significant social issue in Greece, which was exacerbated by the Greek Financial Crisis which started in 2009, during which an estimated 111,000 Greek companies filed for bankruptcy. There is currently no accurate record of how many Athenians are experiencing homelessness, but the official unemployment rate hit almost 28% during the economic crisis that devastated the country over the last few years, with youth unemployment especially surpassing 50%. Shedia - meaning “raft” in Greek - is a not-for-profit organization that works to employ and empower people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion in Greece. They have a vast number of programs including a soccer team, an upcycling/art project, a street paper, an educational social tour of Athens led by homeless guides, and a café-bar-restaurant in the historical center of the Greek capital called Shedia Home. Through their programs, 150 people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion have been provided with the opportunity, through working and not begging, to earn an income to cover some of their most basic needs, on a daily basis, while 20 full-time employment positions have been created in the recently launched Shedia Home. Our Involvement Planeterra has partnered with Shedia Home and connected the café with one of our tourism partners, G Adventures, so it will now be included on itineraries stopping in Athens. Travellers will get to have a drink at the café and enjoy an educational talk from one of Shedia’s guides, all of whom are experiencing homelessness themselves. Shedia’s guides give unparalleled insight into what life is like for individuals who are experiencing homelessness and/or social exclusion, and how Shedia’s programs are combatting the crisis. Related projects View all projects > Solheimar Ecovillage

Nem Adom Fel

Nem Adom Fel Café & Bar Budapest, Hungary Impact Nem Adom Fel Foundation (meaning ‘I never give up’) was founded in 2005 with the mission to empower differently-abled Hungarians. This includes the Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, where 90% of employees are differently-abled. With a grant from Planeterra for upgrades to the café, employees are able to better serve customers. The improvements to the café and the connection to travellers also guarantee increased income. The more money the café makes, the more funds can be channeled into the Nem Adom Fel Foundation’s work to advocate for Hungarians living with disabilities, and to invest in their programs that positively impact the lives of Hungary’s Roma communities. 180 people benefiting 90% of employees are differently abled Critical Need Almost 1 million Hungarians are differently-abled either physically or mentally, and there are great disparities in employment rates and education levels between able-bodied Hungarians and Hungarians who are differently-abled. Although recent government legislation and programs have attempted to tackle these issues (and others such as accessibility), with varying degrees of success, there exists a need to empower and employ people who are differently-abled in Hungary. It’s not only those who are differently-abled that are at a disadvantage in these areas - unemployment and education levels are also low for Hungary’s Roma population. Unemployment for the Roma is 3-5 times higher than for other Hungarians, and they are heavily segregated and discriminated against in the country’s education system. Additionally, the Roma in Hungary are more likely to be impoverished, suffer from insufficient housing, and lack of access to healthcare.  Nem Adom Fel Foundation (meaning ‘I never give up’) was founded in 2005 with the mission to empower differently-abled Hungarians, with a view that everyone has something to give, and everyone can help someone else. They have since expanded this mission to the Roma communities around Hungary, raising funds to create daycare, social support for students, and other community initiatives. Our Involvement Planeterra partnered with Nem Adom Fel Foundation in 2018, at first connecting the foundation’s restaurant, the Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, with tour operator G Adventures, to include a meal stop for their tours visiting Budapest. Planeterra has also supported Nem Adom Fel Foundation with a grant to be used for upgrades to their café’s operations and marketing, as the café sometimes suffers a lack of customers since it opened in 2016. The staff from the café were able to attend English lessons as a result of this funding, which helps them to serve international clients. Funding also supported an investment into the café’s electrical system, and restocked some of the kitchen’s equipment. Related projects View all projects > Mescladis View all projects >

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Cuncani Community Campsite

Cuncani Community Campsite

Lares Valley, Perú

Impact

The Community of Cuncani receive technical assistance and ongoing training in organizational management, business formalization and taxation, and business administration for their community campsite, which was kickstarted with funding from Planeterra. In addition to the campsite program, 37 families received greenhouses and training on how to grow vegetables as a measure to address the severe malnutrition in the community. Income from the campsite has also been invested into planting trees, improving the community playground, and women have the opportunity to sell their handicrafts to visiting travellers.  

88
people employed
440
community members indirectly benefitting

Critical Need

The Cuncani community settled in the Lares Valley slowly over the years without any formal planning. The community has 71 families living in houses made of mud and stone, with thatched roofs and dirt floors. The community has piped water, which is in a state of neglect. They have no medical facilities so most of the population receives medical attention at the district of Lares, about four hours walking distance. The rocky terrain in the valley causes crops to be unreliable and produce low yields. Due to lack of food sources, and poor medical services, one of the main issues is malnutrition, which approximately 90% of the children suffer from.

Our Involvement

With assistance from Planeterra, the Community of Cuncani created a campsite for travellers on the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, which is managed and administered by the governing council of the community. The earnings from the campsite are allocated for investment in social projects such as health, education, food and nutrition, as well as infrastructure improvements to water and electricity. The Cuncani campsite officially opened in April 2014 and has an average of 450 visitors per month in the high season. Initial visitors to the campsite were the result of Planeterra’s connection with G Adventures, but the community services approximately 30 other tour operators and travel agencies from Cusco. 

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Parwa Community Restaurant

Parwa Community Restaurant

Sacred Valley, Perú

Impact

Parwa Community Restaurant opened in March 2014 and now has an average of 1,500 travellers each month. The restaurant directly benefits more than 40 individuals, with ripple effects throughout the community, as revenue from the restaurant has been used to execute clean water projects, and even install a computer lab for the community’s youth. The employees at the restaurant have monthly salaries, health insurance, pension funds, and other labour benefits. Over 25 micro entrepreneurs received technical assistance and funds to establish new businesses to supply the Parwa restaurant or sell their goods to travellers who visit the Huchuy Qosco community.

15
community members employed
90
community members benefitting

Critical Need

In Huchuy Qosqo, 50km from the city of Cuzco, the male population mostly worked as skilled and unskilled labour in public works for the local government. Women mostly engaged in household activities, as well as farming, with little access to economic opportunities nearby. Many young people are forced to leave the community to study and work in larger cities. For many years, Huchuy Qosco residents saw tourism growing and wished for a way to benefit from it. They had received funding for some projects like handicrafts and homestays but never saw results and still struggled to make ends meet.

Our Involvement

Parwa Restaurant is owned by the Huchuy Qosqo Association, a community-based tourism enterprise developed by Planeterra with co-financing from the Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank Group. All income earned by the restaurant is used for investment in social projects for the community. The ingredients used in the restaurant are bought directly from the local farmers, providing a local market for direct sales. 

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Parque de la Papa

Parque de la Papa

Pampallacta, Perú

Impact

Parque de la Papa is seeing an increase in tourist activity due to their ongoing partnership with Planeterra. This increase allows the park to invest in more opportunities. Planeterra has also funded a micro-enterprise (in 2014) owned by a group of 16 women who make medicinal teas by hand, from one of the six communities. The women sell their teas at one of our other projects, the Parwa Community Restaurant. Today the Peruvian government nominated Parque de la Papa as an Agrobiodiversity zone which recognizes and supports their conservation work. 

85
people directly impacted
510
community members benefitting
Parque de Papa Pampallacta, Peru

Critical Need

The Parque de la Papa is an organization of  five communities located in the highlands of the Sacred Valley in Cuzco, Perú.  More than 7,000 Indigenous community members currently work together to preserve the area with hundreds of varieties of native potato (around 1,300) as well as the knowledge and ancient teaching related to the cultivation and management of their agricultural landscape – a cornerstone of life in the area. Though resources are limited, their lands are considered a centre of potato origin and diversity.  Currently, the potato is one of the four most important crops on earth, produced and preserved throughout the centuries by them.

Economic opportunities that enable Indigenous people to remain living in the communities in which they have traditionally lived for generations are desperately needed. That’s why Parque de la Papa was created in 2006 with the support of many international organizations. They have launched agro-tourism programs and developed community micro-enterprises related to tourism services and activities with the purpose of creating economic opportunities. However, the community enterprises were in need of customers to reach their full potential and achieve financial success. The community enterprises had significant barriers accessing the international market, and when they did gain access, they risked losing their unique traditions and cultures.  Women continue to face barriers accessing the formal job market, and youth continue to have limited access to jobs and education, and so often migrate to the big cities. 

Our Involvement

Planeterra and our local partner “Asociación ANDES” supported Parque de la Papa (Potato Park) through training and customizing the organization’s experience for travellers. Travellers from Planeterra’s tourism partners visit the park to learn about life in a rural agricultural Andean community and their seed conservation program, which is conserving indigenous potatoes alongside the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. Visitors also learn about the traditional planting and harvesting process, as well as Indigenous weaving practices. Planeterra also provided funds to improve the facilities at the visitor center in Pampallaqta community which was a much-needed boost for their tourism economy. 

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Esencia Andina

Esencia Andina

Cusco, Perú

Impact

Planeterra provided a $10,000 grant to launch a small women-owned business called Esencia Andina based in Cuzco, Peru. This women owned-business produces biodegradable soaps, detergents, and natural products for use by travellers, porters, and cooks on the Inca Trail. 

This initiative is empowering young Peruvian women to start their own businesses and also lessen negative impacts on the Inca Trail – helping to grow a green economy and preserve this treasured destination. All of their products must receive sanitary registration by the government of Peru in order to be sold to the tourism industry on a wide scale. All Inca Trail, Lares Trek, and Amazon trips with our travel company partner G Adventures use these biodegradable products.

6
women employed
24
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Approximately 500 people (tourists and trekking staff) begin the Inca Trail Trek every day. This huge volume can leave behind more than footprints. Not only are plastics a problem but also non-biodegradable soaps and shampoos that can leave behind chemicals that pollute the land and the water in the area. Protecting the natural environment for future generations is a priority that cannot be ignored.

Our Involvement

With a $10,000 grant from Planeterra, Esencia Andina registered as an official business, and was able to scale the sale of their products, vastly improving their market access and making their business viable. Planeterra also connected Esencia Andina to one of our travel industry partners, G Adventures, who is their biggest client. This partnership provides this women-run business with a sustainable monthly income and credibility for them to increase their client portfolio.

After less than one year they had more than 15 hotel and travel company clients in Peru, growing each month. The success of Esencia Adina has inspired other tourism companies and government organizations in Cuzco to become more environmentally responsible.

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Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op

Ccaccaccollo Women's Weaving Co-op

Sacred Valley, Peru

Impact

When Planeterra first developed a partnership with the women in the Ccaccaccollo community, the cooperative was run by only 3 women – today, the cooperative is owned by 46 women. Planeterra funded training programs to help bring back the weaving traditions that had been lost over the previous generations as there wasn’t a way to earn a significant income. 

Through our partnership and a connection to travellers, the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op has been able to contribute to their families’ income. The women who have been with the project since the beginning report that all of their children study in university. Those involved in the cooperative are the first generation to be completely literate in Spanish. Today, the community is using tourism as a tool to protect and preserve natural and cultural resources and express, share, develop, and pursue their traditions.

Due to the success of the Co-op, they have since opened a Community Homestay.

80
people employed
560
community members benefitting

Critical Need

The community of Ccaccaccollo is an Indigenous community located in the Andean area of Cuzco, Perú. It is inhabited primarily by 140 Quechua speaking families. Despite the close proximity to Cuzco and Machu Picchu, and the thousands of tourists that visit these sites each year, very few communities from the surrounding countryside benefit from tourism. The Ccaccaccollo community maintains a traditional way of life and many work in agriculture. Like many communities around the world, women are frequently excluded from educational and economic opportunities. 

Our Involvement

Since 2005, Planeterra developed a partnership with the Ccaccaccollo community to develop a women’s weaving cooperative, to create economic opportunities for the women of this community. Planeterra implemented capacity building programs, built facilities and purchased equipment for the co-op. Planeterra supported the women with new methods of production that would make items more desirable to travellers (smaller, less expensive items such as hats, socks and sweaters that can be used on the treks in the area), while also maintaining their traditional weaving methods made from llama and alpaca wool. 

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