《野外调查：野生植物成分贸易的风险与机遇评估》-140页_18mb

Summary of Wild Check: Assessing the Risks and Opportunities of Trade in Wild Plant Ingredients

Core Content

Wild Check is a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and TRAFFIC, published in 2022, which evaluates the risks and opportunities associated with the trade of wild plant ingredients. The report focuses on twelve "Wild Dozen" species, which are representative of the diverse uses, threats, and opportunities in the wild-harvested plant trade. These ingredients are integral to various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, and are often sourced from biodiverse ecosystems.

Main Points

• Wild Harvest Importance: Wild-harvested plants are a major component of the global trade in plant-based ingredients, with between 60-90% of medicinal plant species being wild-collected. They are vital for both local and global economies, especially in the Global South.

• Growing Demand: The trade value of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) has increased by over 75% since 2000, and the volume has grown by 22% in the same period. This rapid growth is driven by global market trends and the increasing use of wild ingredients in traditional and modern medicine, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Threats to Wild Plants: Many wild-harvested plant species are under threat due to habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive pests and diseases, and climate change. Of the 21% of medicinal and aromatic plant species assessed, 9% are considered threatened with extinction.

• Cultural and Economic Significance: Wild-harvested ingredients often have deep cultural and traditional roots, especially in indigenous and local communities. They provide livelihoods and support food security and nutrition in many regions.

• Risk Assessment: The report introduces a risk assessment framework to evaluate biological and social risks associated with wild plant ingredients. The results indicate that most of the Wild Dozen species have medium or high risk levels, emphasizing the need for due diligence in sourcing practices.

• Opportunities for Sustainable Trade: The report highlights several opportunities for responsible sourcing, including sustainable harvesting, wildlife conservation, access and benefit sharing, research, partnerships, and engagement with best-practice standards and certification.

• Market Transparency and Awareness: Wild plant ingredients are often obscured from consumers and not included in due diligence processes due to a lack of awareness and traceability. The report aims to address this by making critical information accessible to stakeholders.

Key Information

• Wild Dozen Species: These include frankincense, pygeum, shea, jatamansi, gum arabic, goldenseal, candelilla, argan, baobab, Brazil nut, liquorice, and juniper. Each species has a profile summarizing its production, trade, and risk ratings.

• Risk Ratings: Each Wild Dozen profile includes a traffic-light rating system for biological and social risks. Most species have medium or high risks, indicating the need for careful management and sustainable practices.

• Top Traders: In 2020, China, India, Germany, and the USA were the top exporters of wild-harvested plant ingredients, while the USA, Germany, Japan, and China were the top importers.

• Illegal Trade: There is evidence of illicit trade in wild plant ingredients, with 23% of all EU wildlife seizures in 2019 involving plant-derived medicinals.

• Sustainability and Conservation: The report emphasizes the importance of integrating conservation into trade practices. It encourages stakeholders to engage with best-practice standards, such as FairWild and Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), to promote sustainable sourcing.

• Future Outlook: If appropriate actions are taken, the outlook for wild plant ingredients can be positive. The report concludes that a shift towards responsible sourcing can benefit both the environment and the communities that depend on these resources.

Stakeholder Recommendations

• Industry: Should adopt responsible sourcing practices, engage with certification schemes, and support sustainable harvesting methods.

• Consumers: Can play a role by choosing products with clear sourcing information and supporting ethical trade initiatives.

• Policy-Makers: Need to implement and enforce regulations that protect wild plant species and ensure sustainable trade practices.

• Investors: Should consider the environmental and social impacts of their investments in wild plant-based industries.

• Practitioners: Can contribute by promoting awareness and supporting research into sustainable harvesting and conservation.

Conclusion

Wild Check underscores the urgent need for improved traceability, awareness, and sustainable management of wild plant ingredients. By highlighting the risks and opportunities associated with these species, the report aims to guide stakeholders in making informed decisions that support both conservation and ethical trade practices.