Bioeconomy for sustainable food and agriculture: a global opportunity

FAO

Bioeconomy for sustainable food and agriculture: a global opportunity

Position paper

Year of publication 2024

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 76 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-139032-0

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) This paper has been prepared by FAO to inform the current discussions on bioeconomy including in the G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB). It focuses specifically on how bioeconomy can ensure food security and nutrition and, at the same time, on the need to transform agrifood systems to advance the sustainable development of the bioeconomy.Global coordination and cooperation are an integral part of sustainable bioeconomy development. There is a need to implement agreed principles, criteria and monitoring systems that jointly address all dimensions of sustainability, to balance the trade-offs that can lead to the unsustainable implementation of the bioeconomy. Multilateral institutions have an important role to play in tailoring these sustainable bioeconomy tools and guidelines in different contexts globally, while providing a neutral platform where all countries and stakeholders have a central role in shaping the future bioeconomy. In this context the paper also contributes to the discussions around a set of High-Level Principles on Bioeconomy at the GIB. It presents an overview of FAO’s work on bioeconomy, resources and networks, and provides lessons learned and recommendations for both G20 Members and globally.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2024. Bioeconomy for sustainable food and agriculture: a global opportunity – Position paper. Rome.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1976en

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Language English

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The global bioeconomy landscape is diverse, reflecting various national and regional interpretations and visions. This study has conducted a global review of national and regional bioeconomy strategies, with a focus on sustainability objectives, definitions, priority areas, activities, and governance mechanisms. It highlights FAO's role in advancing a sustainable bioeconomy within the food and agriculture sectors. The study concludes by identifying gaps and opportunities in global bioeconomy development to guide FAO and its Members in shaping the transition to a sustainable global bioeconomy for food and agriculture.The concept of bioeconomy is gaining significant global traction, evolving from its early focus on resource substitution and biotechnological innovation to a more comprehensive and cross-cutting model for sustainable development. This perspective underscores its transformative potential, aiming to reshape the existing economic paradigm into one that is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. However, bioeconomy is not inherently sustainable. Realizing its potential requires robust governance that ensures alignment with societal goals. Increased biomass demand, central to bioeconomy development, poses challenges such as resource competition and international trade impacts.Without assessing the economic, environment and social sustainability of the bioeconomy, this transition risks exacerbating global inequalities related to resource access, environmental degradation and land rights.This study was prepared by the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), within the framework of its Programme Priority Area bioeconomy for sustainable food and agriculture. The insights gathered aim to guide FAO in shaping the strategic direction of its corporate area of work on bioeconomy, strengthening the role of agrifood systems in driving the transformative potential of the bioeconomy across other sectors.
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