Launch of the 2020 BioTrade Principles and Criteria: Making sustainable trade part of the solution

Kick-off campaign of the 2020 BioTrade Principles and Criteria

The video recording of the 2020 Principles and Criteria and UNCTAD/ITC Self-Assessment tool launch webinar can be accessed here.

Did you know that billions of people depend on biodiversity resources?

And did you know that the impact of biodiversity loss on their daily lives is becoming more evident? The alarming rate at which biodiversity loss occurs prompted governments, leaders, companies and financial institutions to increase their commitment to curbing this loss which harms our society and economy. And finally, did you know that the sustainable use and trade of biodiversity-based products and services provide economic opportunities while conserving biodiversity resources?

In the trade sector, a fundamental tool for making biodiversity-based trade sustainable while safeguarding and sustainably using biodiversity are the BioTrade Principles and Criteria (P&C). This set of guidelines is applied and promoted by companies, governments and other stakeholders to conduct the sourcing, production and commercialization of natural products under specific environmental, social and economic criteria.

Launched by UNCTAD in 2007, the BioTrade P&C have been now revised. After almost two years of global consultations, UNCTAD and its BioTrade partners are pleased to announce the launching of the updated version of the 2020 BioTrade P&C – set to take place virtually on 16 November 2020 from 2.30–5.00 p.m. (CET).

Building upon the experience of over 60 practitioners for more than 10 years, the updated BioTrade P&C now include new challenges such as the climate emergency, expanded coverage to include marine biodiversity and sustainable tourism, as well as the alignment with international agreements and sustainability targets, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

By using the BioTrade P&C and other related tools and standards, UNCTAD and its BioTrade partners and practitioners are contributing to address the loss of biodiversity, generate livelihoods and build the business case for biodiversity through the sustainable use and trade of biodiversity-based products and services.

By applying and promoting the BioTrade P&C, companies and governments can be part of a community, and be part of the solution. Whether you have a business, own a company or are a consumer, this event will be of interest for you. Come join us on 16 November and be part of the solution, too!

Please register here. Other activities will follow this kick-off event as part of the promotional campaign for the 2020 updated BioTrade Principles and Criteria.

This work was developed under the Global BioTrade programme: Linking trade, biodiversity and sustainable development launched by UNCTAD in 2018 with the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.

Here’s what the P&C can do:

Build business resilience to and supporting the recovery from COVID-19 

Help to reduce climate change

Support to reduce poverty and protect resources 

Provide livelihoods to communities 

Facilitate access to markets