ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the focus is on the emerging concept of a circular forest bioeconomy (CFBE). Although certain CFBE aspects, such as packaging and paper recycling, biomass from forest residues, and forest carbon markets, already exist, an integrated circular system has yet to be established that cascades materials within a maximum value closed loop in accordance with circular economy principles. Currently, the CFBE is an amalgam of contested, often imprecise, concepts and definitions. In the chapter, we first outline definitional issues, followed by a survey of the historical roots to forest laws and their interconnections with issues such as sovereignty, sustainability, ecological integrity, ecosystem science, and traditional indigenous peoples’ knowledge. The chapter concludes with two case studies from within the forest resource sector that form part of a CFBE. Through the case studies – forest carbon sequestration services and bioenergy – tensions are highlighted between aims to achieve sustainable forest management, mitigate climate change, use property rights fairly, and advance human and indigenous peoples’ rights within a CFBE.
