ABSTRACT

This book examines the bioeconomy concept, analysing the opportunities it can generate, the constraints and the potential benefits for society.

The main objective of bioeconomy is to promote economic development, by creating jobs and enhancing the sustainable utilization of bio-resources. A primary driver of bioeconomy strategy, therefore, is the need to respond to the growing population's food and economic requirements. While today research and literature related to bioeconomy are limited, this book presents a unique collection of perspectives on the complex dimensions of the bioeconomy debate. Drawing on the experiences from Europe, Asia and Africa, it presents an international overview. The chapters address a wide range of issues, including coastal-land interactions, ecosystem services, food production, rural development, agriculture, forest management and bioenergy. As a whole, the volume outlines what role bioeconomy can play in contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without compromising on the ecological sustainability and equitable distribution of benefits. The book concludes by providing recommendations for developing bioeconomy in respective sectors (agriculture, forestry, fisheries, renewable energy) and directions for planning future bioeconomy programmes and strategies.

The Bioeconomy Approach will be of great interest to students and scholars of ecological economics, development economics and environmental economics, as well as policy-makers and practitioners involved in sustainable development.

chapter 1|23 pages

The bioeconomy approach and sustainable development

A review of the concept, opportunities and constraints

chapter 3|20 pages

Land and ocean connection through iron transport by rivers

The case of the Amur-Okhotsk ecosystem (Giant Fish-Breeding Forest)

chapter 6|23 pages

Save and Grow

Sustainable intensification of crop production and innovative market links to build resilient rural economies in the Greater Mekong subregion

chapter 8|20 pages

Mediterranean anthroscapes

A bioeconomy domain for sustainable land use

chapter 9|20 pages

Centrum Woods Vision

Creating new value chains for sustainable woods management in Japan