The DECALOGUE of COCA

01. COCA is NATIVE

An irreplaceable symbol of Andean identity, protected by the Cultural Rights of Peoples.

02. COCA is GREEN 

A component of the Andean-Amazonian region ecosystem, as well as all the plants of Nature.

03. COCA is FOOD 

A package of essential nutrients to complement and supplement human nutrition, such as proteins, vitamins, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and so much more ….

04. COCA is HEALTH

A traditional and natural remedy, able to protects and strengthen the human organism, in the case of the most common diseases.

05. COCA is DIGNITY

A golden seal to the main role of the People, asserting, in the name of Coca, their self-esteem and their right to be part of the national and international scene.

06. COCA is FRATERNITY 

Since many centuries the green sacred leaves promote, strengthen and maintain the integration and organization of social and political groups and rural communities.

07. COCA is SOCIAL JUSTICE 

A flag of resistance in the countless struggles People face in claiming their rights in the global political system that crushes, smashes and excludes the less fortunate ones.

08. COCA is ECONOMICS 

A botanical resource capable of feeding several agro-industrial projects, in order to generate legal and fair economic revenues, as all the other natural resources do. Coca is not the spare tire of coffee or cocoa …

09. COCA is SOVEREIGNTY

A symbol of aggregation for all those identified within the same People, against any attack, declared or latent, from inside or outside the borders.

10. COCA is LIFE

A source of historical memory encouraging People to make true their project of Development, Unity and Happiness.

(written by: Emma Cucchi – Quillabamba,  Valle de la Conveción, Yanatile y Lares, Cusco – Perú. 1997)