According to (www.utzcertified.org) Lucas Simons, director of new programmes at Utz Certified, 'The cocoa sector is facing challenges in terms of social responsibility and the environment. Independent certification and transparency are important instruments for sustainable production, rural development and poverty reduction.' The group is currently working on a code of conduct and a traceability system for all cocoa providers in the Ivory Coast, one of the biggest suppliers of cocoa to the US and Europe. With 90 per cent of Ivorian cocoa being exported to Europe and North America, for example, food companies can hardly forget the massive role they play in helping give suppliers a decent standard of life. About 60.1 per cent of exports went to the EU in the growing season 2005-2006.
I think it's time that the gem and jewelry sector learn from the Cocoa sector. I think discussions on The Role of Diamond and Colored Stones in Developed and Developing Countries wouldn't be a bad idea. The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) supports the smallholder cocoa farmers who usually live below the United Nations (UN) poverty line.
According to the World Food Day website, a mind-boggling 854 million people live below this poverty line and go to sleep every night with an empty belly, while 25,000 people die of starvation every day.
What about the diamond and colored stones industry? What about the gemstone miners in South America, Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia? Who actually cares for them? In fact very few. I think sustainibility is important in the diamond and colored stone industry, and its in the best interests of the miners, dealers, jewelers and consumers. What do you think?
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