BioTrade Principles
Principle 1 Conservation of Biodiversity
Organizations should contribute to the maintenance of biological diversity at all scales (genes, species, and ecosystems)
Principle 2 Sustainable use of biodiversity
BioTrade productive activities should aim to assure the sustainability of both the resource being used and the ecosystem involved.
Principle 3 Fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of biodiversity
Whenever BioTrade activities involve trade in genetic resources, this Principle supports these objectives and requirements. Nevertheless, the equitable sharing of benefits is also relevant in the context of other objectives and principles of the Convention, such as sustainable use and the recognition of traditional knowledge. As such, this principle also supports the sharing of benefits for activities related to biological resources, which form the vast majority of BioTrade activities. In this sense, principle 3 refers to trade in all the goods and services of BioTrade.
Principle 4 Socio-economic sustainability
Competitiveness in the field of BioTrade should result in sustainably managed products that can position themselves in specific markets and remain there long enough to generate the expected benefits.
Principle 5 Compliance with national and international regulations
Compliance with relevant legislation and regulations is fundamental for the legal legitimacy of an organization and its efforts to obtain market access for its products.
Principle 6 Respect for the rights of actors involved in BioTrade activities
The generation of social capital is one of the pillars of sustainable development. For this reason, respect for the rights of actors that in one way or another interact with the organization and generation of local development is fundamental in the management of a BioTrade organization.
Principle 7 Clarity about land tenure, use and access to natural resources and knowledge
Clarity about rights of access is a very important element in the responsible management of an organization. Only then can long-term investments be made or corresponding management measures be implemented to ensure sustainability. At the same time, clarity on this issue means that the responsibilities of each actor in the management of the species can be established.
