The Bioeconomy encompasses the production of renewable biological resources and the conversion of these resources and waste streams into value-added products, such as food, feed, bio-based products, and bioenergy (according to “Innovating for Sustainable Growth: A Bioeconomy for Europe“, 14 February 2012).
Over the coming decades, the world will witness increased competition for limited and finite natural resources. A 70 % increase of the world food supply is estimated to be required to feed the 9 billion global population by 2050. Agriculture accounts for about 10 % of Union greenhouse gases emissions, and while declining in Europe, global emissions from agriculture alone are still projected to increase up to 20 % by 2030. A growing global population will need a safe and secure food supply. And climate change will have an impact on primary production systems, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture. A transition is needed towards an optimal use of renewable biological resources. We must move towards sustainable primary production and processing systems that can produce more food, fiber and other bio-based products with fewer inputs, less environmental impact and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Managed in a sustainable manner, bioeconomy can also:
- sustain a wide range of public goods, including biodiversity and ecosystem services
- reduce the environmental footprint of primary production and the supply chain as a whole
- increase competitiveness
- enhance Europe’s self-reliance, and
- provide jobs and business opportunities
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By the initiative of LBTA and in collaboration with other organizations the discussions on Bioeconomy in Lithuania stated in 2014 with the events:
- October 2014. in the Ministry of Economy the round table discussion “Lithuanian bioeconomy – prospects of development”
- 26 January 2015 Vilnius, discussion on Bioeconomy in Lithuania initiated by Nordic Council of Ministries Office in Lithuania
- 4 September 2015 Vilnius, International conference “Innovation Drift 2015”, session “Bioeconomy”, the resolution on Bioeconomy in Lithuania was initiated
- January 2016, in the Ministry of Economy round table discussion about Bioeconomy development in Lithuania
- October 2016, international conference “Potential of circular economy in Lithuania and its implementation with smart specialization strategies” (www.inovacijusavaite.lt)
In 2017 the feasibility study about Bioeconomy development in Lithuania was launched. The feasibility study was indented by the Ministry of Economy, the study was carried out by Aleksandras Stulginskis University. The study could be found here.
In 2018 October the new Bioeconomy Strategy for a Sustainable Europe was launched. The Strategy and related documents can be found here.
More information about the benefits of Bioeconomy for public society and industry in the video material prepared by Bio-based Industries JU: