Samenvatting

BioTrade is a business model that promotes protection, conservation and use of native biodiverse resources, implemented through the fundamental pillars of sustainability. Within that context, the purpose of the present thesis is to account for the sustainable viability of the exportable, native products that belong to Peruvian biodiversity. The investigation regards the fact that BioTrade demand is growing, that resources or raw material are available in Peru and the three pillars of BioTrade in exporting companies are fulfilled. Within the subject in question, the global trend of the BioTrade market is analysed and explained, together with the behaviour of Peruvian exports belonging to BioTrade in the last five years. Also, the availability of native resources and threats to the conservation of diversity are identified. Finally, economic profitability, biodiversity conservation and considerations of social aspects are reviewed. The research is based on evaluations of exporting companies in BioTrade programs and projects, qualitative interviews with Peruvian BioTrade specialists, consumer surveys and bibliographical research. The results determine the sustainability of exports of native fruits derived from BioTrade. The main conclusion of the research is that commercial development of BioTrade companies and contribution to biodiversity conservation is due to the adoption of sustainable business practices. However, even more must be done to guarantee the product quality through certifications as a strategy to incorporate an extra value. Finally, it is concluded that BioTrade in Peru is able to consolidate itself by a sustainable development strategy, despite the difficulties that exporters face due to new trade rules and limitations in research on the subject.