Frameworks for sustainable bioeconomy: Innovations from indigenous knowledge and science with nature based approaches

Innovation in sustainable bioeconomy and agro-food system are key to ending hunger and reducing global inequality. The Expert Panel addressed the power of innovation both from traditional knowledge and modern biotechnology and delved into the question how to harness the ideas and knowhow of innovators in all hemispheres. New and emerging opportunities are present in agriculture and food systems, and in agriculture technologies as means to better make use of and better manage natural resources, inputs and productions. Indigenous and traditional knowledge are getting more attention as a wealth of opportunity for development. Bioeconomy doubles as an inclusive and sustainable economic model for Indigenous peoples, communities and small holder farmers to create livelihoods not at odds with climate change challenges.
Presentations in the expert panel set the scene from diverse perspectives coveering different geographical locations, different gender views and different institutional backgrounds. In the discussion, knowledge transfer, education and enabling environments and partnerships were identified as key elements of reaching the goal of a sustainable bioeconomy. It was stressed that recent political discussions and agreements like G20 and the Communique of the Global Bioeconomy Summit2024 need to be followed up on and are to serve as guidelines towards a global partnership agreement to substantially promote implementation of strategies and roadmaps.