The first RESP Global Meeting was held at Burberry HQ in London on the 13th and 14th of April.
Two years of commitment and collaborative action to define common goals and the steps needed to achieve them, has led to concrete results for RESP and its diverse multi-stakeholder members who include leaders from the cosmetics, fashion and jewellery industries and their key stakeholders.
Some highlights included the validation of the proof of concept that confirmed its ability to uniquely identify at least 7 million skins from any reptile species from the moment they enter the value chain up to the final product. Similar results were announced on another traceability project where successful initial tests confirmed the feasibility of achieving full traceability of wool fibres at the batch level from scouring to the final products, marking a new benchmark for the industry.
Based on these findings, RESP put forward clear plans for pilot field tests under real-life conditions. The group validated a set of impact indicators and a measurement method that should provide new tangible and quantifiable scientific knowledge regarding the impacts of productive activities at the ecosystem level where it is estimated that close to 80% of the environmental impacts of the supply chain happen.
Production Systems also figured prominently in the discussion. An international process to identify the prevailing sustainability issues for the coloured gemstones industry in Sri Lanka, Mozambique and Myanmar was launched. A global study to assess the main issues and identify best practices for animal welfare in reptile production was also launched.
The meeting also took stock of current work on Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) metrics in order to respond to questions with robust evidence and valid business cases.
On a broader front, RESP continues to contribute to the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity by taking concrete steps towards the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets while gearing it’s work plan to support international efforts under the UN Sustainable Development Goals which are expected to be agreed at the UN General Assembly this September.
About RESP
The Responsible Ecosystems Sourcing Platform - RESP’s mission is to create positive environmental, social and economic impacts by fostering change towards the sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources, based on effective collaboration between the cosmetics, fashion, jewellery industries and its key stakeholders.
Sources: www.resp.ch