Introduction to the Biodiversity & Trade session

The aim of this session is to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities in the relationship between biodiversity and trade.

Trade has an enormous impact on biodiversity. Part of the impact is direct, for example the trade in wild species or products derived from them. Part is indirect, for example when trade gives incentives for changes in land cover and land use. Trade may provide routes for species to establish themselves in new areas, where some may become invasive. Assessment of these impacts is vital for informed decision making.

Arguments in favour of conservation, however, may sometimes be viewed as camouflaged barriers to trade. In this way, issues related to trade may become important in multilateral environmental negotiations. During the 7th Conference of the Parties to the Convention of Biological Diversity (COP7), for example, some decisions were nearly blocked because various parties felt that they would unfairly interfere with trade.

Consumers, investors, governments and NGOs increasingly expect that markets and business should alter their social and environmental behaviour in ways that would have a positive impact on biodiversity. New definitions and standards of corporate social responsibility and a variety of legal and policy responses have been developed.

Can we replace this biodiversity / trade conflict with something more positive? Could trade, and the markets it supplies, function more sustainably? How could companies manage biodiversity in their operations? How might one develop new business based on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity? What is the role of governance? Can the negative impact of trade be lessened by green markets and "fair" trade or links between banking, investment and biodiversity? What is the role of the private sector in sharing the investment costs for biodiversity conservation, and, as a stakeholder, making trade and investment liberalization sustainable?

We look forward to receiving your contributions, however short. Please restrict your comments to the aim of this session.

Karin Zaunberger, Trade and Biodiversity Session Chair