Platform for the Development of the Bio-economy in Latin America and the Caribbean

The concept of bioeconomy emerged at the beginning of the 21st century, within the framework of the research policy of the European Commission. Since then, many countries have developed bioeconomy strategies with the aim of promoting their economic development, based on the generation and application of knowledge for the sustainable use of natural resources, particularly biological resources, promoting endogenous development linked to the territory in which those resources are generated.

All countries of the region have their programs, plans or strategies to promote the use of biological resources in the development of their rural communities through the agri-food sector, generating specific value chains. In some cases, progress has already been made in bioeconomy through the recovery of waste or even through policies. Each country has the opportunity to develop its own bioeconomy strategy, directing knowledge and innovation towards the sustainable use of these resources, be they agricultural, fishing, forestry or biodiversity in origin, promoting the local economy, rural development and creation of value chains.

The development of a bioeconomy platform within FONTAGRO is proposed as an opportunity to create a forum in which participating institutions can share strategies, actions, measures, experiences, projects, success stories and failures, for the generation of knowledge, promotion of innovation and business development, under the common framework of the sustainable use of biological resources for the economic development of rural environments.