Our history

The Network of Social Trade Organization contains a mix of Latin American initiatives supported by research and funds of several European organizations, the oldest of which is Social TRade Organization, STRO-Holland.

The Dutch STRO was established in 1970 with a strong focus on environmental issues from a socio-economic perspective. The research led STRO in the 1980s to advocate proposals that were very innovative for their time such as an eco-tax and carbon dioxide emission rights.

Over the last 20 years, the Dutch STRO has focused its research and interventions in the monetary arena, driven by the evidence that the economic structure is the key determinant in the organization of all aspects of modern society. From 1995 onwards the Dutch STRO research and development team connected with initiatives and initiators in Latin America, where the debilitating effects of the dominant monetary structure were such that many people were trying to develop initiatives within the economia solidaria movement. Social Trade has the same objectives as this movement and provides the market place with practical solutions that create new possibilities for small enterprises and sustainable community initiatives.

Today STRO has initiatives in Uruguay, Brazil, Honduras, Costa Rica and El Salvador and has research and support groups in Holland, Spain, Norway, Austria and Portugal.