Assessing impacts of trade policy on biodiversity conservation

To promote trade related policies and disciplines which respect the needs for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

The impact of trade policies on agricultural commodity production and land use is particularly relevant for biodiversity conservation. Direct investment by producers should be a strong force in promoting sustainable development and biodiversity. Implementation of global, regional and bi-lateral trade agreements is certain to have effects on land use in many countries. The global process of trade liberalisation leads to important changes in existing subsidies and protective mechanisms. Together with changes in the pattern of trade, changes in global and regional patterns of agricultural production are likely to entail displacement or abandonment of some long-established local production systems, or lead to their intensification to maintain competitiveness, or to supply new markets.

Trade policies may result in: a) habitat degradation, loss and fragmentation; b) the overexploitation of species; c) the pollution of soil, air and water; d) the invasion of harmful alien organisms; and e) climatic change.

1. Integrating biodiversity concerns into economic development planning
2. Developing sustainable development policy
3. Developing policy for conservation of biodiversity
4. Creating environmentally sound trading practices

1. Using economic tools for biodiversity conservation
2. Recognizing different situation of developing countries in environment and trade policies
3. Raising biodiversity awareness in economic sectors
4. Evaluating effects of world trade agreements on biodiversity conservation
5. Developing policy action plans for biodiversity conservation
6. Adapting environmental policies to changes in production and trade

1. Using economic instruments for sustainable development
2. Promoting open trade for sustainable development
3. Investing in environmental conservation
4. Developing trade union policies on sustainable development

1. Developing a trade and sustainable development agenda

1. Using economic instruments to mitigate climate change
2. Using economic instruments to manage environmental health costs

1. Failure of global economic mechanisms in biodiversity conservation
2. Environmentally damaging trade
3. Economic exploitation of biodiversity