Newsletter Summer 2005

In May, BPEC took the opportunity to raise awareness about the complications of international development aid.

Although the Indian Ocean tsunami instigated unprecedented generosity, many people are unaware how the money they donated was used. An additional point that goes unnoticed is that, although the tsunami left many people in a terrible situation, similar conditions are endured constantly by many people in sub-Saharan Africa - but this does not receive the same media coverage.

Set in the beautiful scenery of North Wales, the Centre for Alternative Technology (or CAT) is not far from the border of Snowdonia National Park. The drive to Machynlleth takes you along roads carved through valleys and mountains. Before you know it you’ve just sped past the small signpost announcing the forested path leading to the base of CAT.

Lake Victoria is located in East Africa, and the three bordering countries - Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania - share its resources.

Until the 1950s, the lake's hundreds of indigenous fish species provided great benefits to local people, both as a source of protein and also of local business. But then a disastrous change occurred.

Fair Trade means giving producers a fair and stable price for a product, which covers the cost of producing the crop and therefore keeps communities alive.