Association par ticipation, fair trade and sustainable territorial development: the experience of "toca tapetes"

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the experience of the participation in associations and inclusion in Fair Trade by the organization "Toca Tapetes" as a contributing factor to sustainable territorial development in the municipality of Araranguá, SC. The methodology was largely qualitative applied through a case study which included targeted interviews that were semi-structured and not disguised, involving social actors that represent the sponsoring agency of micro enterprises in the state of Santa Catarina and with members of the association "Toca Tapetes". The study showed that the association experience of "Toca Tapetes" contributes to the process of sustainable territorial development, ecologically viable and supported by the principles of economic plurality and citizenship. The initiative has enabled the recovery of locally based cultural elements and transfer of job skills from parents to children. It is noteworthy that strengthening of association participation, of complementary exchange and ethical reeducation of the social actors involved in the productive process, by means of cooperation and, consequently, of the contribution to territorial development.