Circular bioeconomy: how agroforestry can contribute to changing the world
Translated from Portuguese. Original published by PRETATERRA.
The circular bioeconomy is an economic concept that combines the principles of the circular economy and the bioeconomy. The circular economy offers an alternative to the linear economic model – of raw material extraction, transformation, use and disposal of waste. It follows three principles: prevent waste and pollution; keep products and materials in use; and regenerate natural systems.
Bioeconomy is a production model based on the use of renewable natural raw materials of non-fossil origin, such as forests, animals, plants and even microorganisms, for the development, production and commercialization of bioproducts and energy.
We already know that forest-based agriculture is the most plausible and simple answer to most of the climate and social challenges we face today.
Within this logic, agroforestry is a cross-cutting solution and a practical tool for the transition for this transformation, as it is a production system inspired by the dynamics of natural ecosystems, in which perennial forest species are planted together with agricultural crops and animal husbandry.
And how to bring agroforestry into the circular bioeconomy? Well, at this very moment, we are taking on one of our biggest challenges, which is leading the Alliance's agroforestry front.
“We believe it is vital to harmonize scientific and natural knowledge, forests and people, food, production, work and well-being”
Paula Costa
The Circular Bioeconomy Alliance is a global coalition launched with the support of the then Prince Charles – aiming to create the guidelines that govern the logic for creating resilient, long-lasting agroforestry designs inspired by ancestral technologies.
The project wants to create a platform that connects and provides support, based on knowledge developed by PRETATERRA and other companies, to connect investors, companies, governmental and non-governmental organizations and local communities interested in building, together, a circular bioeconomy focused on restoring global biodiversity.
But the project goes further and aims to raise awareness and inspire nature-based solutions to reimagine cities; catalyze investments and connect investors to companies, startups and expansion projects; and support governments in developing science-based strategies for the transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy.
Above all, it aims to demonstrate the potential of the circular bioeconomy through pilot projects and training modules, accelerating landscape restoration initiatives.
“What we are approaching and witnessing today is the very birth of a transformation of the current productive system and the emergence of a regenerative rebirth of humanity”
Valter Ziantoni
Ultimately, we embarked on this endeavor because we believe it is vital to harmonize scientific and natural knowledge, forests and people, food, production, work and well-being.
We can no longer dissociate agroforestry from our lives. It’s no longer just about a shift to more regenerative agriculture. What we are approaching and witnessing today is the very birth of a transformation of the current productive system and the emergence of a regenerative rebirth of humanity.
Original article: https://revistagloborural.globo.com/Noticias/Opiniao/noticia/2020/10/bioeconomia-circular-como-agrofloresta-pode-contribuir-para-mudar-o-mundo.html
Source: Globo Rural
