Calasparra is one of four of the 45 municipal areas in the Murcia region which has signed up to the “Fair Trade in Search of Cities” campaign, in solidarity with Madrid, Córdoba and Albacete in Spain and, in Europe alongside Cambridge, Liverpool and Milan.
The campaign was initiated by BrújulaSur, Fair Trade Association and Cooperative of Murcia back in October 2010. In a press release the organization declare: “ Out of the 45 Town Halls in the region we invited to become a “model town” for fair trade only four have shown any interest: Calasparra, Ceutí. Beniel and Cieza.”
A “City for Fair Trade” is a model town that tries to employ the philosophy and the products of Fair Trade in the administration, businesses, services and fabric of society. According to BrújulaSur: “Any Town Hall, regardless of its size and location can opt to be a City for Fair Trade: promote the consumption of Fair Trade products in public buildings and raise awareness in schools through organized activities are just a few of the simple requirements to form part of the cities of the world which are “fair cities.”
“A Fair City is, principally a city that is led by an administration committed to a responsible economy and solidarity; a city capable of trying out other ways to live and carry out business; a city that supports the commercial fabric without regard to origin,” explained Mari Carmen Nicolás, coordinator of the campaign.
The local Town Hall has declared this initiative requires the involvement of all sectors of the community and will be holding meetings soon.
The Fair Trade campaign counts on the support of IDEAS, the organization which coordinates the international programme City for Fair Trade in Spain.
In order to obtain the status of a Fair Trade City a town must satisfy the following five criteria: the local Town Hall must pass a resolution which favors Fair Trade and the consumption of Fair Trade products by the administration; Fair Trade products must be on offer in municipal cafes, restaurants and shops; a commitment must be secured from the private sector and organizations to the introduction of Fair Trade products; carry out communication and awareness programmes for residents; and create a work group to coordinate the programme.
