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UNCTAD Report Flags Unequal Gains in Global Biodiversity-Based Trade
A report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) flags unequal distribution of economic benefits from global biodiversity-based trade. The report notes that Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) possess nearly two-thirds of global biodiversity but account for 14% of global biodiversity-based product exports in 2024. It is released in advance of the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference in Yerevan, Armenia, from October 19 to 30, 2026.
UNCTAD Report on Biodiversity-Based Trade:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing body | The report is issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). |
| Core finding | Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) collectively possess nearly two-thirds of global biodiversity, yet in 2024, these regions account for 14% of global biodiversity-based product exports. |
| Report recommendations | The report recommends sustainable production, increased domestic processing, and enhanced market access for developing countries rich in biodiversity. |
| Linked upcoming event | The report is released in advance of the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference, which will be held in Yerevan, Armenia, from October 19 to 30, 2026. |
| Sustainable use of agricultural residues (opportunity) | The report highlights opportunities to turn agricultural waste into commercially valuable products. |
| Agricultural residue to product examples | Examples include: Kenya, pineapple leaves to textile fibres; Uganda, banana stems to yarn; coconut coir to biodegradable fishing ropes. |
| Biodiversity-based products | Biodiversity-based products are derived from biological resources, such as plants, animals, microorganisms, and other components of biodiversity. |
| Biodiversity-based products | Examples include: food and beverages such as fruits, spices, and plant-derived food ingredients; natural ingredients including gum arabic and other plant extracts; natural fibres such as cotton, jute, hemp, banana fibre, and pineapple-leaf fibre; other biological materials including coconut coir, seaweed, and animal fibres. |
| Responsible production | When produced and harvested responsibly, these products support livelihoods, facilitate trade, and contribute to sustainable development. |
| BioTrade | BioTrade encompasses the collection, production, processing, and commercialization of goods and services derived from biodiversity, conducted in alignment with environmental, social, and economic sustainability criteria. |
| BioTrade (key objectives) | BioTrade objectives comprise: conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of biological resources; generating income and employment opportunities for local communities; supporting sustainable livelihoods and fostering inclusive economic development; increasing the value captured by developing countries rich in biodiversity. |
| Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework | The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) establishes a global framework to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. |
| GBF (adoption details) | The GBF is adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Montreal, Canada, in December 2022. |
| GBF (targets and goals) | The GBF includes 23 targets to be achieved by 2030 and 4 long-term goals set for 2050. |
| GBF (finance gap) | The framework identifies an annual biodiversity finance gap estimated at $700 billion. |
| Location in GBF | The 30-by-30 target is Target 3 of the GBF. |
| 30-by-30 target (coverage and timeline) | Target 3 provides for ensuring that at least 30% of terrestrial and inland water areas, and 30% of marine and coastal areas, are effectively conserved and managed by 2030. |
| Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) | The CBD objectives comprise: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. |
| CBD vs GBF | The CBD refers to the convention itself, while the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is a global framework adopted under the CBD. |