1.      Identification of collection areas and collectors involved

The identification of collection areas, starting from the delimitation of areas where resources are being extracted, and the gathering of information relevant to these areas. The company in close contact should head the identification of collection areas with its suppliers. This is the basis for implementation of the management of species and the commercialisation of derived products.

2.   Assessment of managed resources

The resource assessment consists of the compilation of information regarding variables that affect the productivity of the species while in the wild, be it on an ecosystem or population level. The assessment is the basis for the definition and justification of reasonable harvest rates and good collection practices to be implemented in order to guarantee sustainable management. This is the basis for the implementation of an adaptive management approach.

3.      Definition of good practices for harvesting

Based on information generated from the identification of harvesting areas and the resource assessment, the company should define good collection practices that guarantee the good management of the species, the conservation of habitat characteristics and the exchange of information with other actors in the chain. The good collection practices are those that maintain the basic conditions of collected populations in the long term and guarantee the quality of raw materials. In the long term, good practices should guarantee the survival of native populations and their corresponding habitats (WHO, 2004).

4.   Monitoring system

The monitoring system consists of defining methodologies for monitoring one or more variables that with time influence the productivity of species. The expected result of this methodology is the analysis of defined variables in comparison with predetermined standard values or specific objectives that are to be met. This can be approached by increasing the information on the state of managed populations, habitats and the impact of management practices. The implementation of the monitoring system should be based on an adaptive management approach taking into consideration that this management allows for appropriate adjustment of productive processes, including the modification or suspension of activities that are affecting populations and their habitats.

5.      Product documentation

Each actor that manages the raw material, from the moment of harvesting to its arrival on the market, should document the basic processes with the purpose of monitoring the implementation of the Standardised Operative Procedures. This data provides information to each actor in the productive chain and to the end consumer on the origin of the product and the management system that the raw material has undergone for each phase of processing.

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