In 2007 and 2008, Nature and Culture assisted the communities of Malvas, Chaquito, Paletillas de Malvas, and Totumos in the development of a program to benefit from the fruit of the Palo Santo tree. The local community members harvest the fruit in a sustainable manner (collecting only 10% of the fruit from each tree) to extract essential oils. This work is carried out in partnership with Loja Technical University and these fragrant oils are sold to Natura, a Brazilian cosmetics company and the producer of Amor America perfume, which is currently marketed in several countries around the world. In 2008 this project received a certificate from Ecocert, which guarantees the sustainable nature of this community program. Amor America perfume exemplifies our dedication to protecting threatened ecosystems while improving local livelihoods.