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Biocultural community
protocols and ethical
biotrade: exploring
participatory
approaches in Peru
by MARÍA JULIA OLIVA, JOHANNA VON BRAUN and
GABRIELA SALINAS LANAO
Introduction
Madre de Dios, in south-eastern Peru, is
rich in cultural and biological diversity. Yet
the region struggles to find development
approaches that are sustainable and respect
the rights of its inhabitants. The Indigenous
Forestry Association in Madre de Dios
(AFIMAD) and Candela Peru, a company
ethically sourcing biodiversity, are aiming
to develop such sustainable livelihood
opportunities for indigenous communities.1
They are working together on the collection
and transformation of natural products,
primarily the Brazil nut, as well as collaborating on a new project involving the use of
Ungurahui oil.2 They are using this new
project as an opportunity to strengthen and
consolidate their relationship, improve
mutual understanding and promote more
balanced and inclusive exchanges of infor-
mation. With the support of two international organisations, the Union for Ethical
BioTrade (UEBT) and Natural Justice,
biocultural community protocols (BCPs)
were identified and explored as an approach
that could prove useful in enhancing
dialogue and collaboration. UEBT
promotes the ‘sourcing with respect’ of
natural ingredients. Work on BCPs is part of
its broader efforts to support good practices
in companies committed to the ethical
sourcing of biodiversity. 3 For Natural
Justice, work in Madre de Dios was the
chance to link a process of rights affirmation with livelihood generation.4
This article provides a brief summary
of this experience of using BCPs, describing
how they were adapted for this particular
context and drawing out some lessons for
others wishing to develop them.
1
Although this article refers to Candela Peru as a company, it was formed and functions as a
non-profit association involved in commercial activities.
2 Ungurahui is a palm tree native to the Amazon region. It bears edible fruits which are also rich
in oil and can be used in cosmetics.
3 UEBT is a non-profit, membership-based organisation. See: www.ethicalbiotrade.org
4 Natural Justice is an international non-governmental organisation facilitating the legal
empowerment of indigenous peoples and local communities. See: www.naturaljustice.org