Twenty years ago, the BioTrade Initiative was launched by UNCTAD to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources through international trade and investment. UNCTAD coined the term “BioTrade”, which has become recognized in efforts to promote sustainable development and poverty alleviation through trade and investment. Building sustainable livelihoods, particularly for rural communities and marginalized groups, in biodiversity-rich developing countries is central to the conservation and sustainable use of nature’s resources. The experiences, lessons and successes in the articles shared by BioTrade practitioners in this commemorative publication attest to the reach of BioTrade and the BioTrade Initiative to over 20 countries and a variety of sectors across the globe. The articles illustrate the synergies and linkages between the three pillars of sustainable development: people (social), planet (environment) and markets (economic) and emphasizes the importance of partnerships. The publication also exemplifies concrete efforts in support of the achievement of the Aichi targets and SDGs.