South Africa is the 3rd most biologically diverse country in the world, with over 21,000 plant species, many of them endemic. Together with neighboring countries it also hosts to emerging biotrade value chains of economic importance. Although the general economic trends are favorable, the biotrade sector in South(ern) Africa needs to overcome some obstacles that constrain growth and market access.

In its third and last phase the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Compliant Biotrade continues to contribute to the long-term impact of creating a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable biotrade sector in southern Africa. With a view to phasing out, Phase III of ABioSA will not open up any new areas of activity but will consolidate the progress made in previous phases. To this end, the capacities and thus the resilience of the key players in the biotrade sector—SMMEs, associations, and government agencies – will be further strengthened. By working and including all relevant biotrade stakeholders/actors, the project aims at increasing market access for value-added natural ingredients and (export-ready) products.

ABioSA Phase III will not open up new areas of activity but will complete activities already begun with the aim of consolidating and maintaining the progress already achieved. The work will be focused on three outcoms:

Outcome 1: Improved SMME compliance with ABS and industry specific market requirements in the biotrade sector by providing appropriate technical & financial support to SMMEs and in so doing, expanded market access for SMMEs is achieved with improved reliable, safe, traceable and quality ingredients and products.

Outcome 2: Improved sector-wide coordination and coherent support services by strengthening industry associations to facilitate the implementation of sector/landscape development plans.

Outcome 3: An enabling environment to exchange and cooperate in the biotrade economy by supporting governments to create conditions for inclusive partnering, and cooperation amongst biotrade actors.

Risultati principali attesi:  

Updated diagnostic assessment of selected SMMEs in the biotrade sector.

A pipeline of SMMEs capacitated to improve production, compliance, export capabilities and access to market.

Funded and approved continued support to existing sector plans.

Funded and approved vertical and horizontal partnerships/plans between and across multiple associations.

Funded and approved transboundary (countries or SA provinces)/landscape approach plans for Nature Positive Alliances, EU trade or other.

Accessible national resources to support compliance, conservation, sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing.

Inter-departmental forums are able to mainstream conservation, sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing of biodiversity.

South to South continental peer learning events, study tours and dialogue platforms convened.

Risultati fasi precedenti:  

SMMEs received funding through financial and technical support to access new markets, develop new products and increase capacities. The SMMEs have reached the following results:

Increased market access and diversification

Innovation and product development

Improved community engagement as part of the ABS permit application process

Improved quality processes and procedures through implementation of Quality and Management System

Four associations were supported to implement their Sector Development Plans leading to:

increased/improved sector governance, institutional development and management-

institutionalisation of production, trade, and employment data collection-

strengthened quality standards and improved credibility in domestic and international markets-

increased and improved generic marketing and market access etc.