BioTrade encompasses all activities related to collecting, producing, transforming and commercializing goods and services derived from native biodiversity – species and ecosystems and its products derived of – in a way that meets the criteria of environmental, social and economic sustainability.

BioTrade is defined by the BioTrade Principles and Criteria, which establish its core conceptual framework. The BioTrade Principles and Criteria consist of a set of guidelines that companies and organizations willing to adopt practices that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, should aspire.

The BioTrade Principles and Criteria were developed by UNCTAD’s BioTrade Initiative, and are in line with several international agreements, principles and guidelines [1]. They also reflect the experiences of BioTrade partners, companies, sourcing communities and other practitioners in implementing them in a growing number of value chains and sectors and contexts, including terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems.