Designing a labelling system for biocultural heritage-based products

Although labelling and certification schemes exist for ecological and fair trade products, there is no such scheme that seeks to benefit producers and at the same time specifically protect biological and cultural diversity. A certification system promoting unique biodiversity-based products could be based on the strong overlap between areas of high biological and cultural diversity, and growing evidence that cultural values play a critical role in conserving biodiversity. The interaction between a particular culture, traditional knowledge, and biodiversity and landscape (i.e. ‘biocultural heritage’) is a source of creativity for developing such products. This paper reviews experiences with the Potato Park’s informal trademark, the use of Geographical Indications (GIs) and the Maori Organics label. It shows that existing schemes such as GIs and collective trademarks can be hard for indigenous producers to access, while indigenous schemes can be effective in conserving biodiversity. It presents an alternative ‘Biocultural Heritage Indication’ (BCHI) labelling system which is being developed to ensure wide and easy access by indigenous peoples and protect biocultural diversity.