[read
the beginning]
The meeting resulted in the incorporation
of new fair trade organizations and networks
into the process (3)
; the need was also identified to opt for
working in fair trade networks made up of
members, linking together Latin American fair
trade projects, and interceding in the negotiation
and regulation processes that apply to local
and international trade. Three proposals for
hosting the Latin American Meeting were also
presented at the meeting (Brazil, Chile and
Bolivia).
In May 2005 in Quito, Ecuador, with a great
many MCLACJ organizations present at the IFAT
International Conference, a coordination meeting
was held to decide on a venue for the Latin
American Fair Trade Meeting. The proposal
of the Bolivian organizations was approved,
and the city of Cochabamba will therefore
host the Meeting. It will be timed to precede
the Third World Solidarity Economy Meeting
taking place in November 2005 in Dakar, Senegal.
In coordination with solidarity economy groups,
the MCLACJ organized the Meeting of Solidarity
Economy and Fair Trade Initiatives in Latin
America with the goal of preparing for Dakar
2005. The meeting, held from 13 to 15 September
2005, attracted over 200 representatives of
fair trade and solidarity economy projects
from 12 Latin American countries and almost
all the Bolivian provinces.
During the three days of work, participants
deliberated on the socio-political context
of the region and the challenges the solidarity
economy needs to face, shared their experiences
of organization and strategies, and discussed
themes relevant both to the solidarity economy
and fair trade. These activities took place
in a fraternal and joyous atmosphere, accompanied
by a ceremony of repaying the earth (Pachamama),
a fashion show and a market. To conclude the
meeting, an action plan and a Declaration
[Cochabamba Declaration in
International Newsletter on Sustainable
Local Development - PDF - 155 ko]
targeting public opinion and representatives
of the continent’s governments were
drawn up collectively.
The main tasks taken on by this Latin American
fair trade movement can be summed up in four
areas of action: linking Latin American solidarity
economy and fair trade projects together;
creating local markets for fair trade products
and developing south-south fair trade; disseminating
information on the project and developing
training for project leaders and participants;
and developing the capacity for making a political
impact on the governments of our countries
and the process of regional integration as
well as on the negotiations for Free Trade
Treaties in the region.
Alfonso Cotera Fretel
MCLACJ Coordinator
[read the beginning]
(3) The new organizations
incorporated into the MCLACJ are: la Red de
Comercio Justo de Uruguay, la Red de Comercio
Justo de Argentina, IFAT Latin America and organizations
from Central America.
