What is the Rapaport Group doing to contribute to the development of ethical and fair trade jewelry?
Projects: Peace Diamond Alliance This initiative was funded in-part by the Rapaport Group and its intention was to develop monitoring standards for alluvial diamond mining sites. It was established in the Kono district in Sierra Leone during the 2005/2006 digging season, in which four digging sites were created and 240 diggers were supported by the project. ‘We learned that Sierra Leone does not need more diggers and that the best way to promote development is by establishing sustainable economic development. We learned that industry must work together with government and NGOs to create new economic realities. We learned that there will be tremendous demand for fair trade diamonds and that no matter what the cost or the loss we have encountered — we are doing the right thing.’ -Martin Rapaport Vukani-Ubuntu Route-to-Market Vukani-Ubuntu is a cooperative in South Africa that provides innovative training programs in jewelry design and manufacturing to historically disadvantaged individua
