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Land and sea: Addressing the challenges facing inter-regional ecosystems in developing a sustainable bioeconomy

EFB Bioeconomy Journal

Abstract:

Forest, ocean and industrial ecosystems are all key aspects of the global bioeconomy. However, finding ways to effectively utilize resources for global benefits while protecting our natural ecosystems is critical to creating a sustainable bioeconomy. This challenge is made more acute by the benefits and impacts of these ecosystems being cross-national and cross-sectoral. This paper reports on the outcomes of the Land and sea: sustainable bioeconomy and inter-regional ecosystems virtual workshop, held as part of the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2020.

Application in MSP:
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Taken into account in an MSP process
Type of Issue:
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Ecosystem-based approach
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Environment aspects
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Land-sea interactions
Type of practice:
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Study
Stage of MSP cycle:
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Vision and aims
Cross-border / trans-national aspect:
Yes
Coherence with other processes:
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
Marine Strategy Framework Directive
Key words:
bioeconomy
ecosystems
forest
industrial transition
ocean
inter-regional
Source / Links:

Ian M. O'Hara, Morakot Tanticharoen, Elspeth MacRae, Anthony Imbrogno, Teresa Rossi, Volker Sieber, Gerhard Schenk, Ann-Kathrin Kaufmann, Ivana Lukic, Ukkrit Satapoomin, Land and sea: Addressing the challenges facing inter-regional ecosystems in developing a sustainable bioeconomy, EFB Bioeconomy Journal, Volume 1, 2021, 100017, ISSN 2667-0410.

Questions this practice may help answer:

  • How does multi-actor engagement and regional-level support impact the transition to bioeconomy?
  • How can regional blue bioeconomy's potential be untapped?

Implementation Context:

Regional approaches and multi-level, cross-sectoral networks, and accelerators are to be used to lean towards an optimal management of natural resources and the beneficial coexistence of space demanding activity. The discussion for a participatory approach and knowledge sharing  appears to be a key tool in reaching common satisfaction and confidence between planners, regulators, and industry.

Aspects / Objectives:

This document highlights the necessity of Intersectoral dialogue to untap the bioeconomy potential of natural areas while promoting the beneficial coexistence of activities traditionally viewed as "spatial competitors".

Method:

A workshop explored the following critical issues relating to sustainable bioeconomy and Inter-regional ecosystems:

  • Major challenges to growing the sustainable bioeconomy while protecting natural ecological systems on land and sea
  • Enhancing industry transition to the sustainable bioeconomy
  • Impediments and solutions to enhancing inter-regional and international collaboration in a sustainable bioeconomy.

Main Outputs / Results:

The workshop highlighted the following points as cornerstones to bioeconomy development:

  • More informed dialogue and scientific cooperation to enhance our understanding of land and sea systems
  • Better education at regional levels
  • Participatory approach to managing inter-regional ecosystems.

Transferability:

The promoted participatory approach is transferable to areas where several economic activities are competing for spatial use in the context of the exploitation of natural resources.

Responsible Entity:

Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.

Costs / Funding Source:

N/A

Contact person:

i.oharaatqut.edu.au (i[dot]ohara[at]qut[dot]edu[dot]au)