18 June 2012: The first Global BioTrade Congress, organized by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), discussed the achievements and lessons learned of the BioTrade initiative, which aims at supporting biodiversity objectives while providing a source of income for local development.

The Congress served as a platform to share experiences and lessons learned among BioTrade and biodiversity stakeholders, and to discuss options for further cooperation in implementing sustainable practices towards “greening” biodiversity-based sectors. The programme included panel sessions on: the policy framework, information exchange and awareness raising; value chain enhancement; market creation and development; research and development; and market mechanisms for promoting BioTrade through international markets.

Among other issues, participants discussed how BioTrade can support the implementation of biodiversity-related multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Discussions also focused on how to use BioTrade as a tool for sustaining security and local livelihoods in post-conflict reconstruction efforts in countries such as Colombia and Indonesia.

The conclusions of the Congress will be presented during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20). [UNCTAD Press Release] [First Global BioTrade Congress] [BioTrade Initiative]