A day to learn about cooperatives in Berguedà
Last March 16, the Espai Santa Eulàlia de Gironella, in the Berguedà region, hosted a day dedicated to the social and solidarity economy. The event, entitled ‘Berguedà Cooperatiu: past, present and future of the social and solidarity economy in the region’, was organized by the Ateneu Cooperatiu de la Catalunya Central, the Berguedà Development Agency and the Xarxa d ‘Social and Solidarity Economy of the region.
Presentation of the book ‘130 years of cooperativism in Berguedà’
During the day, the book ‘130 years of cooperativism in Berguedà’, written by researcher Daniel Raya, was presented. This book is a reference work that reviews the history of cooperatives in the region, from its beginnings to the present day. Rosa Serra, historian of the region, emphasized the importance of this work and stated that it will mark a before and after in the knowledge of cooperatives in Berguedà.
Participatory debate and final vermouth
The day included a participative debate among attendees, where opinions and experiences related to the social and solidarity economy could be shared. In addition, at the end of the event, a vermouth was held to encourage networking and synergies between the participants.
Cooperativism in Berguedà over time
During the presentation of the book, Daniel Raya emphasized that cooperativeism in Berguedà has a long history, dating back to the 19th century. He explained that although consumer cooperatives were the most prevalent until 1939, rural cooperativeism began to spread as early as 1880. Raya emphasized that cooperativeism is not a new movement, but has historical power which is now recovering.
Reflection on the present and future of cooperatives in Berguedà
The second part of the day consisted of a reflection activity on the present and future of cooperatives in Berguedà. This activity had the participation of the public and several cooperative projects in the region. The aim was to generate ideas and proposals to boost cooperatives and make them grow in the future.
The work of Daniel Raya and the Ateneo Cooperative
Daniel Raya’s research work on cooperativism in Berguedà was made possible thanks to the project of the Ateneu Cooperatiu de la Catalunya Central and the Museu del Ter ‘The thread of cooperation’. This project aims to study and disseminate the history of cooperatives in Central Catalonia. The book ‘130 years of co-operatives in Berguedà’ is one of the first actions of this project, which seeks to highlight the role of co-operatives in the economic and social development of the region.