The 12th edition of the alternative economy and solidarity meeting took place at the Institute of education secondary Maimonides in Cordoba from April 30 to May 2rd May 2015. RIPESS EU was represented by ADEPES MIDI-PYRENES. The meeting was organized by IDEAS, the biggest fair trade structure in Spain.
Alternative economy and solidarity? Words that sound really impacting for European SSE actor like us, engaged in the development of a solidarity territory. Cordoba is the historical melting pot place for Spanish solidarity economy actors. The meeting was a great opportunity for RIPESS Europe to build new covenant. Indeed, the attendees have found enough similarities to consider joint work with the new European framework INTEREG funds. A meeting between Spain and France is expected during the next few months.
REAS, the Spanish “network of networks” of solidarity economy actors (XES Catalonia, REAS Andalusia, REAS Castille, REAS, Aragon, REAS Navarre, REAS Euskadi,…) held its Annual General Meeting and celebrate its 20 years. Just a few months before the French Solidarity Economy Mouvement’s (MES) National Congress, which will be held on the 12th and 13th June 2015, in Toulouse and will also celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Moreover, we note a very similar strategy when it comes to social auditing, responsible purchasing or social market (two concepts worth to be compared), the development sectors (tourism, agriculture, environment), social innovation, cooperatives and ethical finance.
It seems very significant for RIPESS EU to get involved with our partners in the territories on sharing and raising our political vision of the solidarity economy alternative as a strong movement of economic transformation models.
Daniel Tygel intervention, RIPESS intercontinental former executive secretary, was very impressive. He declared: “Solidarity Economy is not so much a sector but a deep movement of our society and citizens, who created “Buen Vivir” and new trends on work cooperation models, services and goods, culture, education and environment.”
[Bérenice DONDEYNE, ADEPES]
