About >Project Ilakaka
We’re a new and independent project creating a direct link between jewellers and the sapphire mining community in Madagascar.
Join us to make a difference.
WHY PROJECT ILAKAKA
Madagascar is a beautiful country, and the people are full of joy, but they need our support.
Gemstone mining is the main source of income in Ilakaka, and it’s bringing new possibilities for the community. But not everyone benefits. The average wage in Ilakaka is just $1 a day. Gemstone miners make $3 a day, but even that’s not enough to support their families long-term. Many in the community are struggling.
We are giving jewellers the chance to directly support the people in Ilakaka – and make a difference in the jewellery supply chain.
Madagascar sapphires sell for hundreds if not thousands of dollars in Europe and the US. These precious stones hold within them an opportunity of prosperity for all.
Through >Project Ilakaka, we’re helping the local population take control of their own natural resources to improve livelihoods for all.
You can make a difference.
Our team
We’re a small NGO and group of friends who believe in the power of many. We’re not backed by a big institution or company. But we believe we can drive long-term change – with your support.
Severin, project coordinator (Madagascar)
A well-respected hotel manager in Ilakaka, Severino is our main man on the ground, coordinating our projects on a daily basis.
Rishan, project worker (Madagascar)
A sapphire buyer from Sri Lanka, Rishan has lived in Madagascar for years and knows nearly everyone in the local mining industry.
Svend, the heart and soul (Denmark)
The founder of Wennick+Lefèvre, Svend has been sourcing sapphires in Madagascar for years. He knows the people on the ground and his passion drives our project.
Dan, writer and communications (Norway)
A copywriter, tango dancer and generally positive guy, Dan gets things written – like this webpage – so you know what’s going on and how you can help.
Marie-Louise, fundraiser (Denmark)
A jewellery designer by day, Mary-Lou is our chief fundraiser and a key project coordinator for us in Europe. Sharp, sensible and full of good ideas.
Floris, sustainability consultant (Denmark)
Floris understands sustainability better than most, especially within the jewellery industry. He’s sharp and analytical – and always has an eye on the wider picture.
Aleksandra, project coordinator (Poland)
Always smiling, always positive. Aleksandra (known as Ola) is a jewellery designer with her own brand and style.
Philip, head of administration and legal work (Denmark)
A lawyer with many years of experience, Philp coordinates all legal aspects of the project to make sure everything is above board and ship shape.
Oliver, designer (Germany)
With an eye for detail and design, Oliver does our layout and design work. If we want something to look good, we ask Oliver.
Steen, accountant (Denmark)
Everyone organisation needs an accountant. Steen is ours. He makes sure we do things right, with all the numbers in place.
We can change the jewellery supply chain for good – all of us together.
this is how you make a change