联合国贸发会-2020生物贸易倡议（英文）-2021.1-54页_2mb

Summary of UNCTAD BioTrade Principles and Criteria (2020)

Core Content

The UNCTAD BioTrade Initiative provides a set of Principles and Criteria (P&C) to guide the sustainable trade and investment in biodiversity-based products and services. These principles are designed to ensure that BioTrade activities are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. The P&C are applicable to terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic biodiversity and are aligned with international legal frameworks and UNCTAD mandates.

The P&C are periodically updated to reflect new developments in international law, policy, and the experiences of BioTrade partners in over 65 countries. The 2020 revision was supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and incorporates insights from a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and BioTrade practitioners.

Main Principles and Criteria

Principle 1. Conservation of biodiversity

• Objective: Preserve species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity.
• Key Requirements:
  • Activities contribute to maintaining, restoring, or enhancing biodiversity, including ecosystems, natural habitats, and species.
  • Genetic variability of flora, fauna, and microorganisms is maintained, restored, or promoted.
  • Activities are aligned with national, regional, and/or local biodiversity management plans.

Principle 2. Sustainable use of biodiversity

• Objective: Ensure the long-term viability of biodiversity resources.
• Key Requirements:
  • Use of biodiversity is sustainable, based on adaptive management practices and training for workers and producers.
  • Measures are taken to prevent or mitigate negative environmental impacts.
  • Activities contribute to strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacity of species and ecosystems to climate-related hazards.

Principle 3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits

• Objective: Ensure that benefits from biodiversity use are shared fairly.
• Key Requirements:
  • Activities are based on transparency, dialogue, and long-term partnerships.
  • Prices consider the costs of value chain activities and allow for a profit margin.
  • Activities contribute to sustainable local development as defined by producers and communities.
  • Compliance with legal requirements and contractual arrangements for access and benefit-sharing (ABS).
  • In the absence of legal requirements, utilization is done with prior informed consent and mutually agreed terms.

Principle 4. Socio-economic sustainability (productive, financial, and market management)

• Objective: Ensure that BioTrade activities are economically viable and contribute to market sustainability.
• Key Requirements:
  • Organizations must integrate the P&C into their business and supply chain management.
  • Organizations have a quality management system that meets market requirements.

Principle 5. Compliance with national and international legislation

• Objective: Ensure legal compliance in all aspects of BioTrade activities.
• Key Requirements:
  • Activities comply with national and international environmental, social, and economic laws.
  • Legal compliance is a fundamental requirement for BioTrade activities.

Principle 6. Respect for the rights of actors involved in BioTrade activities

• Objective: Ensure that all stakeholders involved in BioTrade have their rights respected.
• Key Requirements:
  • Activities respect the rights of local communities, indigenous groups, and other actors.
  • Organizations ensure respect for human rights and avoid immoral and illegal transactions.

Principle 7. Clarity on right to use and access to natural resources

• Objective: Ensure clarity and legality in the use and access to natural resources.
• Key Requirements:
  • Activities must apply the precautionary approach.
  • The right to use and access natural resources is clearly defined and respected.

Key Information

• The P&C are applicable to terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic biodiversity-based products and services.
• The principles are aligned with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), CITES, UNFCCC, and other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
• The P&C support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to sustainable use of natural resources and poverty reduction.
• The 2020 version includes updates based on the Nagoya Protocol and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• The P&C are also aligned with the Nairobi Maafikiano and aim to contribute to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

Sectors Implementing BioTrade Principles and Criteria

• Personal care
• Pharmaceuticals/phytopharma
• Food
• Fashion
• Ornamental flora and fauna
• Handicrafts
• Textiles and natural fibres
• Sustainable tourism
• Forestry-based carbon credit activities

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

• Activities must not involve the extraction of minerals or energy generation.
• No use or development of genetically modified organisms.
• No introduction of invasive species unless for control or mitigation.
• No collection or use of endangered species.
• No degradation or transformation of ecosystems.
• Compliance with international and national laws on agrochemicals, pollution, and energy use.
• Respect for human rights and avoidance of illegal transactions.
• Application of the precautionary approach.

Differentiation from "Biotrade"

• BioTrade and biotrade are often used interchangeably, but BioTrade is institutionalized and governed by formal rules.
• BioTrade emphasizes environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
• It ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits and long-term partnerships.
• It involves respect for biodiversity and local communities.

Glossary and Resources

• A glossary is provided in English, Spanish, and French.
• The document includes references to various international agreements, organizations, and initiatives that support the BioTrade P&C.
• It is part of the UNCTAD Global BioTrade Programme.

Conclusion

The UNCTAD BioTrade Principles and Criteria provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring that trade and investment in biodiversity-based products and services are conducted in a sustainable, equitable, and legally compliant manner. They support the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and other international initiatives, while also being adaptable to different contexts and sectors.