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The radio was officially born in 2010; However, since 1992, the Záparas have already thought of having their own means of communication for the inhabitants of this nationality, where they could spread the language, culture and worldview of their nation.

Initially, he only worked locally at Pastaza, but in 2013 the signal began to be transmitted in four provinces of the Amazon: Pastaza, Napo, Morona Santiago and Orellana, in addition, in the central Sierra, to Tungurahua.

Bernardo Pichura, Zápara, is from the community of Conambo and current director of radio. He recalls that with his partner Mateo Armas, vice-president of the station, they prepared the project, the communication plan and the viability of the radio. Also the creation of the code of ethics, with the support of the Coordinator of the Popular and Educational Radios of Ecuador (Corape).

THE DATA
The word zápara means a basket woven by ancestral dreams and teachings. Sitting in front of the microphone, he speaks fondly of the customs of his nationality and very excited begins to tell how he arrived at the station.

"In reality, I never thought of being here, I arrived without knowing anything, nor managing the teams," explains Bernardo, who also had the opportunity to learn the job. through workshops and trainings at the International Center for Graduate Studies. of Communication for Latin America (Ciespal) and the Corape. As for the diffusion of the music, says Mateo Armas, there are established schedules. "We are still playing native nationality music from 3:00 pm, because at that time people from the inside communities come from their work."

Mateo also affirms that the content proposals and the sustainability plan are made jointly with the 23 community presidents, in coordination with the Zápara nation's governing board. "Every customer supports with an economic incentive, which serves to keep the radio alive," says Mateo.

Currently this means of communication is out of the air due to a 12 thousand dollar debt with the electric company, but through social networks it still works.