When the health of nature and the health of people are assured, the future is assured.

"I am delighted to know that the World Fair Trade Day is focusing on the environment as this year's theme. Fair trade is good for the people and good for the planet. What is fair for the planet is fair for the people and visa versa. The mindset which leads to the exploitation of people is the same as that which leads to the exploitation and destruction of the environment. If we are kind, compassionate and just to people we are bound to be kind, compassionate and just to nature. There is no contradiction between the wellbeing of the people and the wellbeing of the planet. It is a fallacy to think that we have to destroy the environment to bring about development for people. If the environment is not safe and sustainable then, in the long run, people will also not be safe and sustainable. Therefore, environmental protection must be at the heart of fair trade. When the health of nature and the health of people are assured, the future is assured."