The Colombian government has announced the establishment of a new seal that will identify commercial products made with respect for the environment and biodiversity. Environment, Housing and Territorial Development Minister Sandra Suárez Pérez, whose ministry will regulate and oversee the use of the seal, said that a similar initiative has already been adopted by the European Union.

Carlos Franco, a government consultant and representative of Mercados Verdes (Green Markets), told Tierramérica that there are currently over 500 environmentally sustainable trade projects being carried out in Colombia by small and medium-sized enterprises and community organizations.

The environmental seal has been in force since mid-October and can be applied to any product whose manufacture and normal use does not cause appreciable harm to the environment or to human beings.