概要

The FairWild Standard (FWS, www.fairwild.org/) provides guidance on sustainable collection and fair trade of wild-harvested plants, fungi and lichen. Created through a multi-stakeholder consultation process, it forms the basis of a third-party audited certification scheme, with over 20 companies currently involved in production and trade of certified ingredients. Beyond certification, FWS is influencing corporate policy and practice related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods, and is aiding implementation of international policy (CBD, CITES) and development of national and local resource management systems. Implementation of the FWS as a Voluntary Certification Standard (VCS) involves an interplay between the voluntary regulation of industry practice and the regulatory frameworks already in place. Wild harvesting takes place in contexts with varying governance, legislation, institutional settings and ownership. Harvest may take place on public or community owned lands, as well as on private land. The regulatory frameworks (e.g. management and permit systems) are similarly diverse. This paper explores different scenarios in which the FWS has been implemented, and the resulting interplay between the VCS and the regulatory framework. Examples presented include wildharvesting projects from the certification scheme taking place in different scenarios, ranging from long-term exclusive leases for harvesting on public land, to annual permit systems for harvesting from public forests, and harvesting on land under private or community ownership. Experience is also reviewed of using the FWS in projects involving reform of the legislative/ regulatory framework for wild plant collection, engaging industry and community stakeholders to develop effective governance systems for wild resources. Finally, the paper draws together lessons learned, comparing actual experience with assumptions inherent in the FWS, and provides some reflections on potential future approaches.