Cooperativism has a long tradition in the Upper Must. Over the years it has been understood that, in addition to being a form of structuring companies, it is a connection between society, workers and the productive processes of goods. That is to say, it has long been emphasized that the community is an active being of the economic relationship in the region. In recent times, the Bagara initiative has emerged from the finding of losses by different actors in this area.

It originates from the Lanki Institute of Mondragon Unibertsitatea. In the last decade they have researched cooperation, society and self-organization, especially from the experience of Arrasate, but have also gathered other external experiences. The mission of Bagara is to promote initiatives in which cooperation and the sovereignty of society are present. To this end, they offer assistance to those already in place and advise those who want to launch new initiatives. In addition, they follow Debagoiena’s daily life closely, so they identify new opportunities and open them to anyone who might be interested in them.

They have three distinct work areas. Firstly, to promote “transformative Community initiatives”. They participate in multidisciplinary actions based on self-organization and social sovereignty. In areas such as culture, sustainability, consumer attitudes or housing. Bagara members believe that the knowledge and internalization of these values is essential for these values to be consolidated in society and to be able to continue along the same lines in the future. To this end, they want to strengthen ties with the different actors working in the field of education. On the other hand, they intend to recover the cooperative model as the economic engine of the region, which they believe has lost strength in recent years.

From the fair to the theater

Bagara, as we have said, has promoted various initiatives so far. For example, two years ago, work began to revitalise the Arrasate trade fair. Apart from the neoliberal logic, they want a market based on local products and responsible consumption. They met with the citizens, municipal technicians and social agents of the municipality, in a process in which more than 600 people participated. In this regard, the Erein Da Jan cooperative, involving 2,000 people, has been set up. In addition to working on agriculture in a sustainable way, it is intended to bring producers, sellers and consumers together into the same project, as they are all partners.

In order to strengthen the character of the region, the Tobon Satirical Theatre has also been organized. It has been held since 2011 innocently, in a town in the region of Alto Deba. Thus, they address local issues, strengthening the relationship between them, but also promoting healthy competition among friends.

Social issues have also been addressed live. For example, they have reflected on alternative models of housing access and have promoted meetings with young people to become agents of the construction of a country. Bagara’s aim is to deepen the philosophy of partnership in all possible areas. So far they have been involved in interesting projects, but they have a way ahead. Let them follow.