The crucial role of the bioeconomy in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The bioeconomy has a key role to play in the transition to a more circular, renewable and resource-efficient society. In order to achieve food security, meet climate and renewable energy targets and accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a holistic and cross‐sectoral approach to foster bio‐based solutions is vital.

For the most effective implementation of SDGs into EU policies and initiatives, coherence is necessary, particularly in light of the new EU political priorities from 2019 onwards. Only consistent, long‐term and stable policies, especially for the areas of energy, environment, climate, innovation, forestry and agriculture, will attract the necessary investments and foster the full potential of the bioeconomy.

With this paper, the European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA) makes a contribution to the policy debate on how to deliver on the implementation of the SDGs in the EU by highlighting the crucial role the bioeconomy plays across the three pillars of sustainable development: environmentally, societally and economically.