By Lucas Guaraldo
The first draft of Strategy 2040, which aims to chart a course for the expansion of the global bioeconomy in the coming decades, was presented on the morning of Tuesday, the 20th, during the opening panel of the Global Bioeconomy Summit. This year, the summit is discussing the consolidation of strategies developed through the G20 bioeconomy initiative—led by Brazil—and the outcomes of COP30.
“This is an international event that takes place every two years. In this edition, participants are consolidating the work that has been carried out on the bioeconomy and its strategies, bringing these initiatives together in the 2040 Strategy. The draft of the document was released today, and the final version will be completed tomorrow,” notes Gabriela Savian, director of Public Policy at IPAM (Amazon Environmental Research Institute), who is participating in the summit’s discussions.
The Global Bioeconomy Summit is one of the leading high-level international forums dedicated to discussing strategies for the sector. Held in Dublin, Ireland, from October 19 to 22, the summit brings together political leaders, policymakers, scientists, business leaders, investors, and civil society representatives from around the world to discuss the future of the bioeconomy. The results of these debates will be incorporated into the final version of the 2040 Strategy, which seeks to establish a long-term vision for the global bioeconomy.
Long-Term Strategy
Strategy 2040 is structured around three main pillars: sustainable economic growth, nature, and social justice. The first pillar covers topics such as biomass, biofuels, and alternative energy sources. The other two aim to consolidate the bioeconomy as a strategy for adapting to climate change and decarbonizing the economy, as well as a tool for promoting a just transition and generating income for people and communities.
“Based on these strategies, we are developing ways to measure and monitor the implementation of bioeconomy initiatives. Although there is still a focus on industries, biomass, and other similar aspects, countries have begun to understand, accept, and diversify this perspective on the bioeconomy,” Savian points out.
The new strategy proposes expanding the supply of sustainable businesses and jobs, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, restoring biodiversity, and strengthening the participation of indigenous peoples, local communities, and countries in the Global South. The goals are indicative in nature, with no mandatory compliance, and depend on international cooperation, financing, public policies, and monitoring mechanisms.
“This is yet another legacy that Brazil is leaving for the bioeconomy: our contributions have enriched the European perspective on the topic by incorporating social and environmental perspectives that were previously absent and are not inherent to the European approach,” he adds.
In the coming days, the event will discuss the consolidation of the global bioeconomy market and financing plans to stimulate the sector. Workshops will also be held focused on expanding the scope and viability of local strategies for bioeconomy development.