The relationship between BioTrade and ABS continues to challenge policy makers, entrepreneurs, communities, project managers and academics alike.

Since its launching in 1996 under UNCTAD´s “BioTrade Initiative”, BioTrade has demonstrated the importance of multiple forms of conservation and sustainable-use of biodiversity and ecosystems oriented businesses.

The key challenge is to clarify how BioTrade can take into account mandatory ABS principles, in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation.

Report by Unctad