Day four: Nyeleni commences19 February 2007
Today's shower was accompanied by a relaxed-looking frog on the floor and a white big-eyed gecko darting around on the ceiling.
Joe Zacune outside accommodation in Mali
Coordinating the world
Last night I was given the temporary role of coordinator of the coordinators for all eight geographical regions - making sure that logistical problems are solved etc.
Meetings are squeezed in before breakfast, between events and carried on until late at night.
The events at the forum are designed to develop common objectives for the participants in their regions and the following sectors:
- fisherfolk
- peasants and farmers
- migrant workers
- indigenous peoples
- pastoralists
- consumers and urban movements
Friends of the Earth's participation
Friends of the Earth International helped organise this event and is here because the topics set to be discussed - trade, local knowledge, indigenous land rights, access to natural resources - are the issues that make it what it is.
This incredible variety of issues affecting communities globally can come together under the umbrella of food sovereignty campaigning.
Organisations within regions will meet to strengthen alliances, and those who work on issues like trade will meet to make sure these international campaigns become stronger.
We're working during the forum towards bringing together the main threats we have to fight against and what we are fighting for under one unifying political declaration at the end of the event.
Evening entertainment
As the sun is setting over the nearby river, a fantastic Malian singer with drummers comes and delights all the participants - welcoming us and singing about the legend of Nyeleni.
Joe Zacune, our Trade Campaigner, is sending daily updates from the World Forum for Food Sovereignty in Sélingué, Mali.
© Friends of the Earth
