Film Highlights Sustainability in Diamond Industry

RAPAPORT... Botswana's diamond trade took center stage in the newest episode of a documentary highlighting sustainability in the fashion industry.The Fashionscapes films were created by Livia Firth, wife of actor Colin Firth, and cofounder and creative director of sustainability and communications consultancy Eco-Age. A screening of the film, which Firth created together with director Andrew Morgan, premiered in New York last week. (See the video at the end of this article.)"Coming to Botswana, I was nervous that I would find the imbalance I have witnessed elsewhere," said Firth, who presented the film and is also the associate producer. "When a single industry generates wealth and has disproportionate power, it can be very dangerous." In the third episode, called The Diamonds of Botswana, Firth visits the southern African nation to learn firsthand about the impact of diamond mining, and how the industry helps the country's citizens and the planet. Firth speaks to various stakeholders that contribute to, and are impacted by, the diamond industry, including Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi; Boteti Mining managing director Naseem Lahri; and a female truck driver."Here in Botswana, I've seen a picture of what can happen when businesses operate in partnership with government and civil society, and where long-term investments are made in collaboration with local communities to ensure that the benefits are truly shared with those on the ground," Firth added. "I came here to look at a single supply chain. I came away from Botswana wondering if this country represents something even bigger - a new vision for doing business, and if so, it is certainly something that needs to be protected with integrity and vigilance." The film launched ahead of New York Fashion Week, which runs until February 12.Image: Livia Firth; Kgalalelo Mokgweetsi, community liaison officer at Boteti Mining; Andrew Morgan; Naseem Lahri; and Pat Dambe, vice president of corporate affairs and government relations for De Beers Global Sightholder Sales. (Eco-Age)