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Who we are

UEBT is an international non-profit that promotes sourcing with respect for people and biodiversity.

Our mission and vision

Our mission is to regenerate nature and secure a better future for people through ethical sourcing of ingredients from biodiversity.

Our vision is to contribute to a world in which all people and biodiversity thrive. This vision supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Global Biodiversity Framework.

Sourcing with respect

The global UEBT standard, which sets practices on how companies source botanical ingredients with respect for people and biodiversity, is the basis for all of our work.

The standard is multi-stakeholder developed and internationally recognised. It can be used by companies to manage risks, develop improved policies and practices, assess supply chains, and enhance opportunities for positive impact on people and biodiversity in botanicals sourcing areas.

UEBT’s focus: botanicals

The core of UEBT’s work is the sourcing of botanicals and the impact this has in sourcing areas, including different production systems such as

  • wild collection

  • agroforestry

  • agriculture

UEBT provides a platform for companies in the following sectors:

  • beauty and personal care

  • herbs & spices

  • botanical beverages

  • natural flavours

  • natural pharma

What are botanicals?

UEBT defines botanicals as raw materials derived from components of biodiversity. This includes materials or compounds derived directly or indirectly from plants, animals, fungi or microbial organisms. For example, plant parts (e.g. flowers, leaves, roots, stems, fruits or bark) and plant compounds (e.g. plant-based oils, butters, waxes, extracts, flavours, fragrances, colorants). Plant cells, microorganisms, algae and beeswax would also be covered.

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Our vision

A world in which all people and biodiversity thrive.

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Our mission

We work to regenerate nature and secure a better future for people through ethical sourcing of ingredients from biodiversity.

 

Our history

 
 
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1992

Countries adopt the Convention on Biological Diversity to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity, and to ensure fair and equitable benefit sharing

1996

To support CBD objectives, the UN Conference on Trade and Development launches the BioTrade Initiative

2007

UEBT is born, following a UN initiative to promote business engagement in the ethical sourcing of biodiversity

2008

UEBT moves to independent offices and begins a formal partnership with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

2015

UEBT certification begins for natural ingredients and the joint UEBT/UTZ herbal tea certification program

 
 
 
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2018

UEBT launches its certification label.

2024

UEBT launches its regenerative programme co-developed with members and partners

2019

UEBT celebrates 10 years of its Biodiversity Barometer that measures consumer awareness of biodiversity

2020

UEBT publishes the Big Shift, a look at 10 lessons learned over 10 years of UEBT’s work

2021

UEBT launches Herbs & Spices Programme in collaboration with Rainforest Alliance

2022

UEBT publishes “Sourcing botanicals with respect” on challenges and opportunities in sourcing botanicals