WILLAGRI
The concept of bioeconomy encompasses the production and processing of biomass, whether of plant, animal or microbial origin for food, industrial or energy purposes. It uses biological resources in a sustainable way to create many products or services and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, thus contributing to the fight against climate change. There are three biomass resources: edible biomass materials, inedible biomass resources (lignocellulosic materials) and bioenergy and bioproducts (mainly algae) The 2024 United Nations Global Bioeconomy Assessment report “focuses, according to its authors, on bioenergy, bio-based chemicals, bio-based plastics and bio-based macromolecular materials (textiles and paper) in conversion by highlighting resources, dominant technical itineraries, challenges and perspectives”.
Bio-based products can be divided into five categories: energy, raw materials, animal feed, basic materials and fertilizers. The use of energy is the most universal mode. Biomass energy includes solid fuels (wood, organic waste, etc.), liquid fuels (vegetable oils, bioethanol, biodiesel, etc.) and gaseous fuels (biogas, syngas).
There are also many ways to use bio-based raw materials, such as bio-based chemicals (solvents, lubricants), plastics, and macromolecular materials (natural polymers). The UN report focuses on bioenergy, bio-based chemicals, bio-based plastics and bio-based macromolecular materials (textiles and paper) highlighting the resources, dominant technical processes, challenges and opportunities.
National strategies
To promote the bioeconomy, many countries have put forward different strategies. Throughout history, the United States of America (USA) has played a leading role in bioeconomic strategy and policy. In1999, Decree No. 13134 was published, entitled ” Developing and Promoting Biobased Products and Bioenergy “. In the wake of this, the European Union (EU) quickly published key documents in 2005, 2007 and 2010, including ” Bioeconomy in Europe: Achievements and Challenges “. This was followed by the EU’s bioeconomy strategy in 2018 and the European Green Deal in 2019. Developing countries have joined this movement. In 2013, Malaysia launched its “Bioeconomy Transformation Agenda”, recognizing the strategic importance of the bioeconomy in developing Asian countries. China has advanced the development of the bioeconomy through five-year plans and specific policies on renewable energy and the use of non-food materials. During the same period, South Africa unveiled its “Bioeconomy Strategy”. More than 30 countries have developed bio-economy policies for specific sectors or areas.
Impact of the bioeconomy on soil quality and biodiversity
The bioeconomy, which is based on the sustainable development of biological resources, has an impact on land use patterns and biodiversity. The demand for bio-based products and biofuels is changing land-use practices, as they can compete with food production and affect natural ecosystems.
Ensuring sustainability requires sustainable practices, regulatory frameworks and careful land-use planning. Measures to mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity should be taken, such as responsible land planning and environmentally friendly pesticides.
The bioeconomy can have negative effects on biodiversity and soil quality if not managed responsibly. In terms of biodiversity, it can lead to the destruction of natural habitats such as forests, wetlands or grasslands. Monocultures of energy plants or raw materials for industry are less diversified and therefore more vulnerable to diseases and pests. Biomass production may require the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers that can pollute soil and water and therefore have negative effects on fauna and flora.
In terms of soil quality, the bioeconomy can cause soil erosion through the introduction of exotic plants or unsustainable practices. Intensive use of soils for biomass production can lead to a decrease in organic matter, which reduces soil fertility and its ability to store carbon. The use of pesticides and fertilizers can pollute the soil. Finally, the irrigation of certain crops is one of the causes of soil salinization.
For a coexistence of the bioeconomy and biodiversity
Biodiversity protection and the bioeconomy can coexist and offer business opportunities if the latter is practiced in a sustainable way. Achieving a sustainable bioeconomy and biodiversity conservation requires adopting practices that mitigate the negative impacts of economic development on biodiversity. These include improving land use efficiency, reducing fertilizer use, combating large-scale deforestation, and promoting other ecosystem services. Emphasizing the synergistic development of the economy and ecology can create sustainable conditions for the bioeconomy and the survival of humanity. Bio-based products and bioenergy have the advantage of mitigating the negative effects of climate change in various industries by replacing non-renewable materials and fossil fuels in industry and using residual biomass.
Future efforts should focus on increasing long-lived bioproducts and using residual biomass to improve climate benefits. The sustainability of the bioeconomy may be threatened by slow-onset climate risks. Sudden events, such as hurricanes, floods, droughts and forest fires, have immediate and severe consequences on agriculture, forestry and fisheries, leading to a scarcity of biomass resources. They damage agricultural infrastructure and disrupt ecosystems. Slow-onset effects, such as changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, alter crop growth, planting seasons, and increase the risk of pests and diseases. They affect the quality environments and the growth of forests.
Source : United Nations Environment Programme (2024).
Global Bioeconomy Assessment: Coordinated Efforts of Policy,
Innovation, and Sustainability for a Greener Future.
https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/45332.