Regional Biotrade Project Southeast Asia

South East Asia is one of the world?s richest regions in term of biodiversity. Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar are amongst the most biologically diverse countries in the world. They belong to the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot with well over 11,000 species of plants found in this area. Unfortunately, the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot is also one of the regions where biodiversity resources continue to be depleted rapidly with little regards for sustainable development. The proposed project builds on the Vietnam Biotrade Project (2012-15) and proposes to scale up the achieved results for reaching critical mass and wider impact.

The overall development objective of the Regional Biotrade Project Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Lao PDR, and Myanmar) is "to promote the conservation of biodiversity through sustainable trade in natural ingredients in a manner that increases the competitiveness of local exporters/producers and the livelihood benefits (income and jobs) of rural population by taking into account all relevant ethical Biotrade principles and criteria".

Outcome 1: "Competitive Biotrade companies are competing in regional and international markets in accordance with ethical Biotrade principles and criteria?.

Outcome 2: "Value Chains operating along ethical Biotrade principles have been developed to supply companies with products in demand in international markets?.

Outcome 3: "Government have taken steps to implement an ethical Biotrade policy-friendly and supportive environment?.

Outcome 4: "An efficient and effective knowledge management, and program communication has been established that facilitates the sharing of national and international expertise and experience?.

Resultados previstos:  

An Export Potential Assessment (EPA) has been carried out to identify potential Biotrade export products.

A group of companies has been identified to participate in the project with capacity to supply potential export products.

A sector association has been formed (Laos and Myanmar) and strengthened (Vietnam).

Each company is able to organize min. one value chain on a GACP-WHO standards basis or alternative standard (e.g. organic, fair trade, fair wild, other).

Estabilish critical mass (of approx. 20 companies / max. 15 similar value chains).

Local authorities (provincial or district level) have contributed to support the development of ethical Biotrade suppliers groups and facilitate the capacity building.

Regular dialogue between policy-makers and companies.

Peer-to-peer learning among Policy-makers and other stakeholders.

Resultados de las fases anteriores:  

Establishment of project partnership with NIMM and four pioneer pharmaceutical companies: Traphaco Co, Jsc ? Nam Duoc Co, Jsc ? Vietroselle Co, Ltd ? DHG Nature Co, Ltd.

Development of 5 natural ingredient value chains: polisias fruticosa, ampelopsis cantoniensis, gymnema sylvestre, phyllanthus, and plectranthus amboinicus.

Workshops organized to provide fundamental understanding and create awareness of BioTrade concept and its standard for the value chain stakeholders and partners.

Relevant government institutions (MOH, MARD, MOIT, MONRE) gained as project partners to participate in relevant project activities and assure institutional sustainability.

Foundation and operationalization of BioTrade Implementation Group Vietnam (BIG Vietnam, sector association).

Fase 3 01.09.2016 - 31.08.2020   (Completed)