|
BioTrade & Benefit-sharing
The
equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biodiversity
is a fundamental tenet of the BioTrade Initiative and a critical
element of the sustainable use of biodiversity under the Convention
on Biological Diversity. In its work towards sustainable use of
biological resources, BioTrade is working to guide companies on how
to best fulfil equitable benefit-sharing principles.
The
need for the equitable sharing of benefits of biological resources
is recognised specifically in principle 3 of the BioTrade principles
and criteria (BTPC). In calling for BioTrade activities to share the
benefits derived from biodiversity, this principle requires, for
example, informed, transparent and inclusive interaction among all
actors in the value chain. Benefit-sharing is also an important
element of principles 4 and 6, and is therefore integral to
BioTrade's approach.
Issues of benefit-sharing become particularly significant as
companies seek to achieve the verification of their compliance with
the BTPC. The BTFP is working with companies to develop a
verification framework that will formally recognise their efforts
towards conservation and sustainability, including issues of
accountability, social and environmental responsibility, and
socio-economic sustainability. Field tests have shown that the
implementation of benefit-sharing is particularly complex, and so
the BTFP has begun work on a set of guidelines that will eventually
be integrated into the verification framework.
Guidelines
for the sharing of benefits derived from the use of biological
resources
At
present, there is little legal structure in place regarding
equitable benefit-sharing of biological resources in the
sustainable-use context. Even where laws and regulations exist, they
are often not implemented. Guidelines for benefit-sharing generally
overlook the issue in the context of sustainable use, which is the
focus of the BioTrade Initiative.
The
BTFP is therefore elaborating practical guidelines to facilitate the
equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological
resources in BioTrade activities. The objective of these guidelines
is to facilitate compliance with the benefit-sharing aspects of the
BioTrade principles and criteria, defining in particular ways to:
§
Build trust and dialogue among actors;
§
Enhance business and legal skills of producers and communities;
§
Promote fair and equitable commercial relationships, including
an adequate price and the negotiation of other benefits;
§
Generate and share benefits outside relationships; and
§
Increase recognition of the value of traditional knowledge.
The
guidelines will be inherently practical, focusing on methodologies
that are both functional and dynamic, and will initially focus on
the natural ingredients sector. This sector holds key opportunities
for developing countries rich in biodiversity and complements the
development of the verification framework that is also focusing on
this sector.
Participative process
The
development of the guidelines on benefit-sharing is undergoing a
consultation process with BTFP partners in Asia, Africa, and Latin
America. This involves actors from BioTrade regional and national
programmes, and companies from both importing and exporting
countries.
In
addition, the BTFP hosted its first informal expert workshop on
benefit-sharing in Paris in September 2006. The event brought
together a small group of experts and actors in BioTrade activities
who shared experiences and provided important input to ensure the
practicality and effectiveness of the future guidelines.
There
are also important contributions coming from the work being carried
out at national level. Working groups in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia
have been established, focusing on equitable benefit-sharing in
specific value chains, as well as input from the private sector. In
addition, a range of regional and national experts and stakeholders
are being actively consulted.
A
draft of the guidelines for benefit-sharing will be ready by the end
of 2006. |
