Wildlife utilization

The aim of the present report is to examine the changing context within which the reptile skin trade has existed (“where we came from”), the extent of the current industry and its regulatory strengths and weaknesses (“where we are now”), and what the future can or should bring (“where we go from here”).

This paper illustrates the potential for developing sustainable environment management practices such as BioTrade in Latin America. These results are presented through case studies built on the experiences of BioTrade practitioners and programmes at the national, regional and international levels such as SMEs, multinational corporations (MNCs), financial entities and clusters.

Like all the Arguments for Protection series, this report is primarily an attempt to assemble evidence about the positive benefits that can be provided by protected areas, in this case focusing on human health. Benefits explored here range from various ways of accessing genetic material to use as local or global medicines, to the use of wild, open and quiet spaces for physical exercise and emotional healing.