Joint statement on biomass and forestry: Bioeconomy leads to further ecosystem exploitation

This joint statement, signed by over 60 non-governmental organisations, raises serious concerns over the growing reliance on biomass and biofuels as a response to the climate crisis. It stresses that, although the term ‘bio’ is often associated with health and nature, the ‘bioeconomy’ is actually having a devastating effect on nature – particularly on forests. Continued focus ‘at all costs’ on biofuels as the answer risks undermining progress made in tackling the climate, biodiversity and pollution crises.

These signatory organisations stress that citizen engagement and community participation are essential in the development of policy regarding land use, land use change and forestry, and that imports of biofuels from the Global South are not the answer.