United Nations

On this page:	The BIOTRADE Initiative, UN Convention on Biological Diversity

The BIOTRADE Initiative

As a result of WFED's leadership in developing conservation-based bioprospecting programs, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) contacted WFED in October 1998. UNCTAD requested a presentation on the Yellowstone bioprospecting program, to be made at the conference on "Bio-partnerships for sustainable development: commercialisation and the bio-industry challenge" held in Lyon, France from November 10-12th, 1998. The conference was organized by the BIOTRADE Initiative of UNCTAD within the framework of the "Partners for Development" Summit in Lyon. The purpose of the conference was to "open the way to closer involvement of civil society and business in the work of the United Nations," and was attended by head of states, corporate executives, heads of agencies and many other leading figures in the area of development.

The presentation in Lyon, France increased international interest in WFED's work, especially in Colombia, Russia and Bhutan. In March of 1999, the BIOTRADE initiative once again requested WFED to make a presentation at a follow-up workshop in Villa de Leyva, Colombia. While at the workshop, WFED focused on the "Trends in the International Market for Genetic and Biochemical Resources: Opportunities for Colombia."

Biodiversity access and benefit-sharing issues now top the agenda of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD). The US Department of State sponsored a special event during the December 2002 UNCBD benefit-sharing workshop in Montreal to enhance public awareness about the history of Yellowstone National Park's pioneering biodiversity conservation benefit-sharing initiative in the United States. WFED's Preston Scott was invited to join Yellowstone's John Varley to make the presentation in Montreal for participating delegates from around the world.