Ecobreves – PERU: Bio-Trade under Scrutiny

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LIMA, May 5 2003 (IPS) - The Peruvian Bio-Trade Committee, created through a 1996 initiative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to promote sustainable use of biodiversity, is drawing up an assessment of the private and community enterprises that are involved in such activity. “Bio-trade is understood as an activity that promotes investment and trade through the sustainable use of native resources,” says Roger Rumrrill, an independent advisor on environmental issues related to the Amazon forests of Peru.

The evaluation includes data from 40 trade associations that process and sell various products native to Peru, particularly plants with medicinal properties and “bio-pesticides”, that is, plants, animals and microorganisms that can be used in controlling crop infestations.

Represented on the Committee are the National Environment Council, the National Institute of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Industry and Trade's export promotion office, and the National Commission of Andean Peoples, among others.