South-South and Triangular Cooperation on the Bioeconomy in Light of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda

The central theme of this report is how developing countries are working together on fostering bioeconomy solutions, and how these solutions can contribute to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the achievement of the SDGs. SSTC on the bioeconomy is not only increasing at the policy level with developing countries working together to define regional and national bioeconomy strategies, but also at the implementation level with a growing number of SSTC projects in the area of the bioeconomy being carried out across the globe. Most importantly, developed and developing countries increasingly recognize alike that the bioeconomy needs to be guided by sustainability principles, if its potential for contributing to the SDGs, while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increasing the climate resilience of countries and communities, is to be harnessed.

The report highlights the importance of knowledge-sharing on technologies, practices and experiences to foster the use of bio-based solutions in developing countries. The Global South has an abundant biomass and a great variety of approaches and technologies to use biomass for low-emission energy solutions, increasing resource efficiencies in agriculture and industry, enhancing food security, generating jobs and reducing gender inequalities. However, some of these approaches or technologies only exist in one country or region and require SSC for their broader application.

The report is intended to serve as a knowledge resource to inspire, replicate and upscale SSTC in the bioeconomy by providing insights into practical and effective development solutions undertaken by Southern countries. Nine case studies from Africa, Asia and Latin America are presented here as a reference source for other developing countries and for developed countries that wish to support SSC in this area through triangular cooperation. The case studies provide an illustrative overview of the ways in which SSTC initiatives on the bioeconomy are being undertaken by and in developing countries, and how these initiatives make tangible contributions to the achievement of the SDGs and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.