Biotrade refers to the collection, production, transformation and commercialization of goods and services derived from native biodiversity. The UNCTAD Biotrade Principles provide an integrated framework for addressing the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity within the broader context of sustainable development and responsible business. Yet, exploitation of natural resources for Biotrade in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot (rich diversity in plants with over 13’500 species) are still common and accelerating loss of biodiversity.

Strengthen the conservation of biodiversity through sustainable trade of biodiversity products in a manner that integrate local exporters / producers into global value chains and improve income and job quality for the rural population depending on biodiversity resources in the Mekong region.

Effective trade intermediation efficiently links buyers and sellers of Biotrade products.

Biotrade companies have business processes and management capacities needed to export and grow.

Supply chains of Biotrade companies are managed in ways that contribute to biodiversity, and to social and economic equality.

Stakeholders from source and destination countries are more aware of Biotrade in the Mekong region.

Expected results:  

Buyer organisations have business models and capacities to offer supporting services to importers-

Exporter Business Support Organisations (BSOs) have business models and capacities required to offer export promotion services-

Business consultants have new service offers adapted to the needs of Biotrade companies as part of their service portfolio-

Biotrade exporting companies are willing to use new business consulting services-

Sustainable value chain consultants and biodiversity NGOs provide training, advice and coaching to Biotrade companies and producers-

Biotrade friendly policy changes are adopted and enforced.

Results from previous phases:  

BSOs are starting to provide services to partner companies-

a growing interest in local private sector and crowding-in companies-

success cases have triggered few policy responses by sub-national governments-

overall, the project contributed to USD 12 million increase in export turnover for natural ingredient's products, and to 13’500 persons with new or additional employment or income increase, whereof 7’000 are women.

Phase 2 01.09.2020 - 31.08.2024   (Active)