Unmute biodiversity risks of free trade? The EFTA–Mercosur Agreement (Swiss) case study

New article by Willemin, Rémi, Cornelia B. Krug, Nicolas Roux, Elisabeth Bürgi Bonanomi, Marc Chesney, Benjamin Curnow, Sierra Deutsch et al.

This figure presents key themes related to environmental governance and regulation using icons and text. Comparison of deforestation with: Governance & performance (represented by a gavel icon). Import country (represented by a Swiss flag with trees). International targets (represented by certification and UN-related logos). Assessment of pollution with: Chemicals (represented by a toxic waste container and a mobile device). Governance & performance (represented by a gavel icon). Telecoupling & teleconnection (represented by a globe with interconnected nodes). Effects of regulations with: Associate states (represented by a map of South America with a question mark). Gold (represented by gold bars). Investment protection (represented by an umbrella with 'CHF' currency symbol). Inclusion & enforcement with: Time (represented by a clock icon). Disciplines (represented by a Swiss Army knife). Knowledges (represented by a group of people assembling puzzle pieces). Science-policy (represented by an academic and a gavel icon). The figure uses bold blue headings to categorize topics and black icons for visual representation.

Sustainability and environmental impact assessments of trade and investment agreements must take greater account of biodiversity risks. Using the EFTA (Switzerland)-Mercosur Agreement as an example, this study highlights environmental impacts that are often underestimated in previous assessments - including chemical pollution, regulatory risks, impacts of duty-free precious metals, deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

The analysis develops a strategy for reassessing these risks in the context of the Global Biodiversity Framework and emphasizes the need for more comprehensive measures to protect biodiversity in trade agreements.

Citation:
Willemin, R., Krug, C.B., Roux, N., Bonanomi, E.B., Chesney, M., Curnow, B., Deutsch, S., Eppinga, M.B., Jacobi, J., Van Moorsel, S.J., Petibon, F., Schuh, L., Sonderegger, G., Waeber, P.O., Santos, M.J., 2025. Unmute biodiversity risks of free trade? The EFTA–Mercosur Agreement (Swiss) case study. Environmental Sciences Europe 37, 26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-025-01063-3

Contact:
Dr. Nicolas Roux
nicolas.roux(at)boku.ac.at

18.03.2025

Unmute biodiversity risks of free trade? The EFTA–Mercosur Agreement (Swiss) case study

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