Jena continues to be a "Fairtrade city"
All criteria fulfilled: The city of Jena has been awarded the title of Fairtrade City for another two years. By awarding the title, the non-profit association Fairtrade Deutschland e.V. is recognizing the city's ongoing commitment to fair trade.
"We see this new award as motivation and a call for further commitment," says Christian Gerlitz, Mayor and Head of the Department for Urban Development and the Environment.
Jena thus remains part of a global network that promotes fair trade and strengthens local initiatives.
Criteria for Fairtrade Town
The city of Jena was first awarded the title in 2011 for its commitment to fair trade. Five criteria must be demonstrably fulfilled for this:
- The city records its support for fair trade in a city council resolution.
- A steering group coordinates local activities.
- Fair trade products are offered in stores and restaurants.
- Civil society carries out educational work.
- The local media report on local activities.
Commitment of the city of Jena
The Fairtrade Townscan implement these criteria individually and adapted to the local conditions. In Jena, for example, there is the digital urban change map, which provides an overview of local, sustainable and community-oriented initiatives and offers, places and exchange opportunities. The fair-trade city coffee "San Jena", which is coordinated by the Eine Welt Haus Jena e.V. as part of the city partnership with San Marcos in Nicaragua, also sets an important example. The coffee is sold in the Jena Tourist Information Office, among other places. Part of the proceeds from the sale goes towards the education of children and young people in the twin city.
Sustainability strategy measure
Under the motto "think globally, act locally", the city's commitment makes an important contribution to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted in 2015.
The Fairtrade Towns award and recertification is anchored as a concrete measure in the city of Jena's sustainability strategy. The Jena City Council adopted the sustainability strategy in 2021 with a comprehensive action program.
Background
Jena is one of over 820 Fairtrade Towns in Germany. The global network of Fairtrade Towns comprises over 2,000 Fairtrade Towns in a total of 36 countries, including the UK, Sweden, Brazil and Lebanon.