WTO initiatives on environment & sustainable development: Windows of opportunity for biodiversity

There is increasing recognition of the relevance of trade and trade policies to efforts supporting sustainable land- and natural resource use, and promoting the conservation of biodiversity, ecosystems and related benefits to wellbeing. Concerns are growing over the threats to nature arising from current trade trends and policies, including the role they play in deforestation. There is also interest in how trade and trade policies could support global biodiversity goals by promoting more sustainable supply chains.

This webinar held on 17 March 2022, provided an update on the state of play on environment-related discussions at the WTO, including new initiatives on environment and sustainable development. It focused on exploring the opportunities these discussions and initiatives can offer in the intersection of trade, SDGs and the global biodiversity agenda. Drawing on the insights of key stakeholders working at the trade and biodiversity nexus, the webinar aimed to provide timely information – and food for thought – for stakeholders interested in future engagement in these policy discussions.

Please see the recording below:

Speakers:

• Daniel RAMOS, Legal Officer, Trade & Environment Division, WTO
• Beatriz FERNANDEZ, Associate Programme Management Officer, Environment and Trade Hub, UNEP
• Sophia MURPHY, Executive Director, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP)
• Lorena JARAMILLO, Economic Affairs Officer, Division on International Trade and Commodities, UNCTAD
• Ana BATALHONE, Associate Programme Officer, Trade and Environment Programme, International Trade Centre (ITC)
• Lisen RUNSTEN, Senior Project Manager, GCRF TRADE Hub (UNEP-WCMC)
• Carolyn DEERE BIRKBECK, Director, Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs (TESS)

Moderator: Marianne KETTUNEN, Senior Policy Advisor and Head of Partnerships, Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs (TESS)