Bioeconomy is attracting increasing global attention as a policy issue. The G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB), launched under the Brazilian G20 Presidency and continued under the South Africa G20 Presidency, is an opportunity to explore how to transform our economies and generate economic value from natural assets in an inclusive and sustainable way. By assessing the potential of the Amazon region’s economic, social, and ecological assets to drive economic transformation, this report is a fitting contribution to the redefinition of development pathways for environmental sustainability and social inclusion. It is a timely one too, in light of COP30, hosted by Brazil in Belém in 2025, in the heart of the Amazon region.
The Amazon rainforest is home to 10% of global biodiversity and accounts for more than 20% of world tropical forests and 39% of the Brazilian territory. It is a region with an immense development potential for Brazil and for the world. This report discusses the concept and policy implications of bioeconomy, focusing on the Brazilian approach and how it can foster sustainable development in the Amazon region.
I hope that this innovative report, built on strong empirical evidence and international peer learning, will spark a fresh dialogue on advancing more sustainable modes of production and consumption worldwide.
Ragnheiður Elín Árnadóttir
Director
OECD Development Centre