Ethical Sourcing in Practice: The UEBT Assessment Is Online

The BioInnovation Africa project is pleased to announce the publication of the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) assessment covering a diverse range of biodiversity-based value chains. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth overview of field assessments, observations, and potential for improvement identified across partner operations. 

The publication demonstrates how BioTrade Principles can be effectively integrated into supply chains and highlights the tangible impact of promoting ethical sourcing practices. It offers concrete examples of how responsible sourcing contributes to improved livelihoods, strengthened conservation, and increased transparency. 

Key Highlights

  • One-third of partners exceeded 80% alignment with the critical indicators of the UEBT Standard. 

  • On average, partners reached over 70% alignment across essential areas, including: 

  • Community well-being and local development 

  • Human and workers’ rights 

  • Sustainable cultivation and responsible wild collection practices 

These results reflect a strong commitment to ethical sourcing and demonstrate the transformative potential of continuous improvement within biodiversity-based value chains. 

Driving progress

The assessment identifies several elements that significantly contributed to strengthened performance among partners: 

  • Enhanced biodiversity management practices 

  • Updated cost calculations, contributing to more transparent and fair pricing 

  • Formalised sourcing agreements to provide clarity and long-term stability 

  • Strengthened communication and transparency between companies and producers 

Together, these factors illustrate how structured support, capacity building, and clear standards can accelerate meaningful change on the ground. The full assessment is now available online and provides valuable insights for stakeholders working toward ethical, resilient, and sustainable biotrade systems.