One organization attempting to address the widespread destruction of farm land in Sierra Leone as a result of diamond mining is One Sky: Canadian Institute of Sustainable Living. Partnered with the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone, their current project enables consumers to contribute a donation or allot a percentage of the purchase of a diamond to go toward the development of restoration of land and the development of a sustainable farming system. Included in the restoration plan there is an emphasis on community participation during both the restoration phase as well as the lands' maintenance thereafter.
Initially, I was skeptical about the way the organization proposed to generate the funds for the project (the sale of more diamonds). This skepticism was most likely present due to the fact that I came across this information in the midst of reading about the murder, mutilation, and torture of millions by rebel troops funded by illegal diamond trading. Although I am aware there are regulations in place to greatly reduce the percentage of blood diamonds in the market, in the context of what I had been reading, buying more diamonds did not seem a very palatable solution for any part of the destruction in sierra leone.
After reading more about this organization, and their other efforts around the world, I better understand their stance and reasoning for using this approach toward funding the project. While the recovery of this region necessitates a larger effort than that of a smaller grass roots organization, this project and others that i'm sure exist are good starting points for education and action.
