News published: 22 June 2023

Take a look at the wild side!

26th – 30th June 2023 is FairWild Week.

Join FairWild to demand sustainable wild harvesting. Wild harvesting is key to conserve the last pristine landscapes on Earth by protecting these from being transformed in agricultural land. Plus, when done right, wild harvesting allows indigenous communities and rural communities to preserve their unique lifestyle. Your voice is vital in spreading awareness about this topic.

FairWild was founded in 2008, The FairWild Foundation is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of trade in wild harvested plants and improving the wellbeing of harvester communities. FairWild accomplishes this by providing and promoting the FairWild Standard, which is widely recognised as the best practice for wild plant sourcing from ecological, social, and business perspectives, and the FairWild certification scheme.

FairWild advocated for a new approach to trade, one that empowers people and safeguards the remaining pristine landscapes on Earth. Their mission is to establish sustainable practices throughout the supply chains of every wild-harvested ingredient. By doing so, they aim to promote the wellbeing of rural communities intricately connected to the preservation of nature. This new way of conducting business prioritises the harmonious coexistence of nature, humanity, and trade, avoiding any compromises that could harm either the planet or its people. They embrace a holistic approach that values the intricate web of life, fostering a sustainable future for generations to come. It is a world where the wellbeing of the planet and its inhabitants go hand in hand, creating a harmonious and prosperous future for all.

So, what is FairWild Week?

The FairWild Week is an annual, global campaign that aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable wild harvesting.

Why is this important? 

1) To educate the public about the power of wild and to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable wild harvesting from an environmental, social, and consumer point of view.

2) To create awareness about the power of the wild and to decrease plant blindness.

3) To collaborate with like-minded FairWild participants and opinion leaders – Together, we can reach a larger audience and create a greater impact.

4) To encourage clients and consumers to demand sustainable wild harvesting.

Did you know? 

There are 300-400k plant species around the world, and from this, around 30k have well-documented medicinal or aromatic uses.

60-90% of medicinal and aromatic plants in trade are wild collected.

Only 7% of medicinal and aromatic plant species have been assessed against IUCN criteria – with 1 in 5 thought to be extinct in the wild.

The increasing and widespread demand for wild plant ingredients is placing a major strain on individual species, ecosystems and harvesting communities worldwide (Wildcheck report, 2022).

FairWild is promoting a positive relationship between nature and people, preserving unique cultures and the sustainable use of unique landscapes, while ensuring dignity and a fair income for the people who rely on them.