ABSTRACT
Inspired by insights produced by Latin American, Caribbean, and African (LACAf) authors and the Global Sustainable Bioenergy (GSB) project, experts from different disciplines and continents were invited to discuss the urgency and possible actions to accelerate the move to a sustainable bioeconomy. They produced a joint statement about the role of biomass-derived energy and products for sustainable development, addressing global challenges and offering a set of recommendations. The joint statement of the expert group identified key enablers and action points for sustainable biomass utilisation in both developed and less developed regions. The implementation of a sustainable biobased economy as part of a circular economy, that improves energy and food security is not only an ethical imperative, but also offers an inspirational and therefore mobilizing vision of a more just and higher-quality future for all. However, to maximise sustainability benefits with respect to the environmental, economic and social aspects, chances in biomass utilisation should be carefully assessed and managed.
