Background
The importance of tackling biodiversity loss is recognized by internationally agreed objectives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Data on trade of biodiversity-based products and its impact on biodiversity and livelihoods is critical for countries to develop informed sustainability and trade policies. However, there is limited data publicly available on sustainable trade in these products and services and their environmental and socio-economic impacts. Available information often is not comparable and dispersed across many different databases, making it difficult to be effectively used.
In September 2022, the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s BioTrade Initiative and Statistics launched the pioneering Trade and Biodiversity statistical tool (TraBio). It is an initial step to enable open access to reliable and comparable trade-related information on biodiversity-based products. TraBio applies a product classification of biodiversity-based products covering 1,814 HS sub-headings, an online database on trade flow in these products and related indicators, and a visualisation tool. UNCTAD also convened the Informal Working Group (iWG) of Experts on Trade and Biodiversity Statistics aiming to improve data collection. The iWG also aims to support the monitoring and reporting under the SDGs and relevant processes such as the KMGBF.
The iWG met virtually five times between October 2023 and September 2024. IWG experts were invited to discuss progress towards a comprehensive trade and biodiversity framework and identify priorities and partners for further collaboration and knowledge exchange. The content and objectives of each meeting can be found on their dedicated webpage.
Objectives
The sixth meeting of the iWG aims to:
- Present and discuss the peer reviewed “Background Paper: Towards a framework for Enhanced Trade and Biodiversity Statistics” which compiles the discussions and work undertaken during the iWG meetings
- Provide updates and highlights by iWG members, including UNCTAD
Target audience
The event targets members of the iWG, who are experts on the issues of trade, biodiversity, and/or statistics from developed and developing countries. It aims to ensure a broad participation and a balanced geographic and gender representation. Participants will have experience on the topic being discussed and agree with the Terms of Reference of the Informal Working Group. If interested in joining or for other related queries, kindly email biotrade@un.org with the Subject: Informal Working Group of Experts on Trade and Biodiversity Statistics.
