Sustainability is founded on four inter-dependent pillars: social, economic, environmental and cultural. It cannot be reduced to environmental preservation. Moreover, sustainability intends to satisfy the needs of present generations without compromising those of future generations. Therefore, an initiative is sustainable when: economically viable, respectful of the social and cultural rights of people and preserving the environment, all without compromising future generations’ welfare.

The third sector, also called citizen sector, is the set of associations, cooperatives, mutual organisations, non profit and non governmental organisations, informal groups, social and citizens’ movements, which don’t depend on either public institutions or the private sector. Additionally, we also include private enterprises that don’t focus exclusively on profits and are committed to sustainability principles: social enterprises. These entrepreneurs and stakeholders seek to implement a pluri-cultural, human-centred and democratic model that protects the rights of people, workers, minorities, indigenous peoples and the environment. They make up the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) global movement.

Sustainable Pangea focuses on the SSE initiatives that implement a sustainable, fair, redistributive, inclusive, participative and autonomous development. They are mostly led by local communities and social entrepreneurs who create positive social change, based on principles such as equality, solidarity, inclusion and respect for diversity.

We work within four categories: organic agriculture, solidarity finance, community-based tourism and fair trade.

For further information about the concepts and activities of the SSE you can visit the website Socioeco.org.