Canadian Jesuits International supports Comparte, a network of the Jesuit Conference of Provincials in Latin America and the Caribbean (CPAL), which includes 16 different social justice organizations in 11 countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and Spain.

Network members are committed to sharing resources and techniques for implementing alternative and supportive socio-economic models in their respective countries. They are united in the shared belief that the world can and should be changed so that everyone, especially the poor and marginalized, can enjoy the benefits of a just and sustainable economy.

Comparte (meaning "to share") actively promotes alternatives to dominant models of economic development that have devastating social and environmental impacts on local communities. Founded in 2011, it began by supporting local production of organic coffee, cacao, honey, and other products; providing resources and facilitating communication among social justice organizations; and fostering partnerships with Jesuit universities to collaborate on research and specialized training. Its goal is for these initiatives to achieve sustainable development - economic, social and environmental.

Their current goal is to reach more than 49,000 people, most of whom are women of African and Indigenous descent living in rural communities.

Coordinator: Erminsu Ivan David Pabon

Beneficiaries

Direct: Rural peasant families and Indigenous producers (80%) and marginalized people in urban areas (20%); 55% women, 45% men

Indirect: Local rural and urban communities; food companies

Budget:

$851,366 CAD (2021-2023)

Activities

  • Support for over 500 small producers organised in cooperatives, associations, companies, informal community groups, etc.
  • Promoting organic farming
  • Applied research
  • Exchange of experiences and best practices
  • Advice on crop improvement and marketing; other specialised consultancies
  • Natural heritage conservation

 

COMPARTE Video

COMPARTE Brochure

Latin America: COMPARTE sustainable economic alternatives network

Please support the work of Comparte by making a donation:

(Banner photo by Enrique Carrasco SJ)
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