The value of biological diversity has been fully recognised in the development of new food products, medicines, dyes, colorants, perfumes, cosmetics, construction materials, among others, all of which have been used extensively through the ages on local and global levels alike. More recently, diverse industries, and in particular the agricultural, natural and biotech industries, have begun to generate a huge range of products that have resulted in highly significant economic benefits. These benefits are directly and indirectly derived from the use of biological and genetic resources and the knowledge, innovation and practices associated with them. The use or incorporation of biological and genetic resources and the associated traditional knowledge should not only fulfil the requirements of the CBD, but also clear sustainable criteria to minimise any negative effects on the environment that could be caused by the production processes or even by the product itself.
One format of income generation and distribution of benefits for both local businesses and communities is the direct production of goods derived from biodiversity and their subsequent commercialisation. The distinction and identification of goods produced is fundamental to obtaining the consumers’ seal of approval and maximising potential profits. This is as true for the production phase as it is for marketing. When distinguishing a particular product, factors such as usefulness, quality, origin, production methods and the raw materials used are all relevant. Some of the tools used to emphasise or recognise these factors are called distinctive signs.
Distinctive signs distinguish certain products in the market and avoid confusion for consumers. The most relevant signs for biotrade include on the one hand, normal trademarks and collective trademarks, and on the other hand, the appellations of origin and geographical indicators.
The objective of the current workshop is to evaluate the possibility of using distinctive signs to promote sustainable development and biotrade based on the specific case studies of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and the Amazon region. To this effect, the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD), UNCTAD’s BioTrade Initiative, the Peruvian Society of Environmental Law (SPDA) and the Andean Community (CAN) have organised a workshop on “The Use of Geographical Indicators and Appellations of Origin to Promote Sustainable Development and BioTrade”, which will take place on 21 and 22 November 2005 at CAN headquarters in Lima, Peru.
