Solidaridad will be a panelist at a seminar hosted by the Fairtrade Foundation on Fairtrade and Fairmined gold at the International Jewellery London. In the UK, certified gold products carrying the Fairtrade and Fairmined dual stamp are now on sale. The seminar will explain what this means to the miners behind the jewellery and the market access challenges the miners have. Furthermore, the future ambition and plan for Fairtrade and Fairmined gold in the UK will be shared.
Seminar at IJL: ‘The Future of Fairtrade Fairmined Gold’
Maaike Schouten, Producer Support Manager of Solidaridad’s Gold Programme, is one of the speakers during the seminar. Maaike will talk about Solidaridad’s Gold Programme. She will explain the problems that gold miners and their families face and how the Fairtrade and Fairmined standard can contribute to build better lives. She will also inform jewellery brands and manufacturers how Solidaridad can support them in linking Faitrade and Fairmined gold to their supply chains. Currently Solidaridad is working on expansion of its Gold Programme to Africa, which means that Solidaridad can reach more miners to improve practices, but also increase the supply of certified gold in the future. This is good news for potential buyers, because initial volumes of Fairtrade and Fairmined gold have been limited since the standard is very new. “Therefore, it is important to inform the industry that this responsible gold is available,” explains Maaike.
Looking for jewellery brands
During the IJL Maaike will talk with jewellery brands interested in Fairtrade and Fairmined gold and hopes to find potential business partners. She will also meet with Stephen Webster, well-known British jeweller and business partner of Solidaridad. Last year Solidaridad and Stephen Webster visited miners in Peru. These experiences are captured in Stephen Webster’s movie ‘When all is gold’, which will be shown to participants during ‘the Great Debate’ (another event at the IJL on Monday) where Stephen Webster will present.
‘The Future of Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold’
Tuesday 6 September 2011
3.15-4.15 pm
The Inspiration Theatre
– See more at: https://solidaridadnetwork.org/blog/international-jewellery-london-2011-solidaridad-seminar-future-fairtrade-and-fairmined-gold#sthash.ETKI3PlV.dpuf