Mission: Strengthening/ Sustaining the Lantana Craft Center (LCC) by customizing products for rural and urban markets

Background: Lantana is one of the world’s most invasive weeds. It is used as a substitute for native species such as bamboo and cane and strengthening the livelihood of Soliga tribal community. No-cost and simple skills are used to empower the community. ATREE introduced Lantana craft as a way of improving livelihoods through furniture and other utility products. This contributes conservation of native plant diversity in natural forest.

Product diversification: Simple technique of bending Lantana stems, which made it possible to make a range of products like baskets, furniture, toys, utilities, ornaments, and life-size elephants.

Till now: ATREE has trained over 650 people in lantana craft, 40% of these folk are women. Trained artisans derive nearly 80% of their cash income from lantana crafts. The average income of an artisan ranges from Rs 12500 – 16000. Health cards and insurance coverage provided for 360 artisans. ATREE disseminates technology and craft to NGOs and 7 forest communities in 23 forest areas of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra.

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)

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Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkure Post, Bangalore-560064 Tel: 91-80-23635555, Fax: 91-80-23530070
Email: hari@atree.org, Website: www.atree.org

Contact numbers for training and product enquiry: Narayana-9449203638, Murgesh-7676303162, Jadeyappa-9480907180 Address: Lantana Craft Center (LCC), Keeranhola village, Nagamalai Road, MM Hills Post, Kollegal Taluk, Chamrajanagara District – 571 490, Karnataka. http://www.lantanacrafts.org/lantana-products