Consumption and production drive the global economy and have lifted millions of people out of poverty, but also have wreaked havoc on planetary health through the unsustainable use of natural resources. If current consumption and production patterns continue, the planet will need 183 billion tonnes of material every year by 2050. This is three times today’s amount and impossible to sustain. Every year, 4.8 to 12.7 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into our oceans and over 40 million tonnes of electronic waste are generated, causing severe damage to ecosystems, livelihoods, and our health. And one third of food produced every year is wasted, yet food security is a growing concern.
Our Focus
In order to increase the industry’s ability to manage its value chain more sustainably, both consumers and businesses must first be aware of the nature and magnitude of these risks. Improving both environmental, social and governance (ESG) traceability and transparency of value chains has therefore become a priority. Recognizing the importance of ESG traceability in achieving SDG 12 and considering the rich body of expertise and standards already available through UNECE, the UNECE broadened the focus of the Team of Specialists (ToS) on Sustainable Fisheries to ESG traceability of sustainable value chains in the circular economy.
- About us
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The Team’s current focus is to contribute to better and more informed decisions for sustainable production and consumption, through ESG traceability approaches and systems for the exchange of data and information along global value chain in priority industries for the circular transition.
The Team is led by Chair Mr. Christian Hudson and by Vice Chairs Ms. Nathalie Bernasconi and Mr. Harm Jan van Burg.
- Events
- Second session: Team of Specialists on Environmental, Social and Governance Traceability of Sustainable Value Chains in the Circular Economy
- Documents
- Fishery
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UNECE-UN/CEFACT developed the UN/FLUX data-exchange standard, which allows electronic reporting of fisheries catch information and the implementation of electronic controls and collection of crucial statistical data for sustainable use of the most important food source of this planet.
- Garment and footwear
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UNECE-UN/CEFACT is implementing the project “Enhancing transparency and traceability for sustainable value chains in the garment and footwear industry” which produced a toolbox including policy recommendations, implementation guidelines, a global information exchange standard, and a blockchain system to advance traceability, transparency and sustainability of complex and global value chains in a sector which poses significant risks for workers and the environment. You can find the toolbox on the project page.
- Agriculture and wildlife
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UNECE-UN/CEFACT developed standards such as electronic sanitary and phytosanitary certificates (eCert), Quality certificates for fruits and vegetables (eQuality) and electronic certificates for sustainable trade in wildlife (eCITES) which allow electronic information exchange on international treated agricultural produce. The electronic information exchanges strengthen regulatory control in agriculture trade and significantly reduce food loss in the supply chain. The information technologies are now making a significate contribution to global efforts to protect crucial environmental resources such as use of water, energy and soil used for agriculture production.
- Join us
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To participate, register as expert on our online registration form. Under Areas of Interest, check “Team of Specialists on Environmental, Social and Governance Traceability of Sustainable Value Chains in the Circular Economy”.