part of G20 policy engagement
Start readingThe “high-level principles on bioeconomy” agreed upon by the G20 mark a significant milestone in the transition toward sustainable global development. In this interview, SEI’s Mónica Trujillo and Hugo Chavarría from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) discuss how these principles are transforming the bioeconomy in Latin America and the Caribbean.
They highlight the principles’ role in biodiversity conservation, climate action and their alignment with the goals of COP16 in Cali, Colombia, and COP30 in Belem, Brazil.
Why are the high-level principles on bioeconomy important, and how did this process inspire the creation of specific principles for Latin America?
MT: The principles are important because they establish a series of agreements focused on sustainability, circularity, value addition and innovation to implement the bioeconomy across different regions. These 10 high-level principles aim for a comprehensive approach, learning from past mistakes. This initiative inspired the Latin American Bioeconomy Network to follow a similar process, identifying the priorities, challenges and objectives we want to achieve in the region during the bioeconomic transition.
HC: The principles agreed upon by the G20 represent a new phase in bioeconomy, placing sustainability at the forefront. Unlike earlier efforts, these principles not only promote the efficient use of biological resources but also ensure alignment with global environmental goals, such as reducing carbon footprints and conserving biodiversity. It is a more holistic framework than before, encouraging a multidimensional and collaborative approach.
Hugo, how was the process of developing these principles during the G20? Who was involved, and what were the main challenges?
It was a collaborative process with a significant exchange of ideas. One of the main challenges was ensuring that the principles reflected the diversity of contexts and bioeconomies around the world. The involvement of civil society, academia, and the private sector was crucial in making sure the principles were both applicable and realistic.
Mónica, based on your experience at SEI, how do you see these principles being implemented in Latin America and the Caribbean? What opportunities and challenges do you foresee?
A major opportunity for the region is moving beyond agreements and good intentions to the actual implementation of bioeconomy principles. The Latin American Bioeconomy Network provides a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences, drawing on the expertise of its member institutions. For SEI, the key is turning lessons learned, best practices and research results in sustainability and governance from Latin America, East Africa and Southeast Asia into concrete action.
In Latin America, one of the main challenges is shifting from national-level initiatives to regional and local implementation, involving local governments, businesses, research centres, universities, and broader society. Another significant challenge is building a bioeconomy that supports biodiversity, small-scale activities, and traditional communities.
How do the G20 and Latin American Bioeconomy Network principles align with the goals set for COP16 in Colombia and the transition to COP30 in Brazil?
MT: The bioeconomy is a powerful strategy for linking the biodiversity and climate change agendas, which is a core objective of COP16. The idea that the bioeconomy contributes to biodiversity conservation, its sustainable use, and nature restoration is an essential principle that must be continuously emphasized. For COP30, the message remains the same: a key principle of the bioeconomy is to contribute to climate action by advancing technologies that support both adaptation and the reduction of greenhouse gases, shifting from a fossil-fuel-based economy to one built on biological resources while promoting nature conservation. In practice, this should be reflected in value chains, business models, and sustainability agreements that track positive impacts on sustainability, circularity, and competitiveness.
In the context of 2025, under South Africa’s G20 presidency, what collaborative initiatives or joint projects could emerge to turn these principles into concrete actions?
MT: 2025 will be a crucial year for SEI Africa, as it will allow us to connect actions across SEI centres (Latin America, Africa, and Asia), and make a positive impact in South Africa by fostering South-South and triangular North-South cooperation platforms.
Tropical regions share many similarities—they are rich in biodiversity but face significant socioeconomic challenges. There is a lot we can learn from one another and many ways we can strengthen each other.
HC: We will likely see an increased focus on South-South cooperation, where countries in Latin America and Africa can exchange knowledge and experiences in bioeconomy. We also expect joint projects that promote sustainable value chains and innovation in biotechnology.
The G20 Bioeconomy Principles open up new opportunities not only for Latin America and the Caribbean but for tropical countries as a whole. Collaboration between governments, the private sector, academia, and local communities will be key to turning these principles into real actions that drive sustainable and inclusive development.
The G20 Bioeconomy Principles open up new opportunities not only for Latin America and the Caribbean but for tropical countries as a whole. Collaboration between governments, the private sector, academia and local communities will be key to turning these principles into real actions that drive sustainable and inclusive development.
SEI will lead events during CBD COP16 that explore the importance of the bioeconomy principles.
Past event / At CBD COP16, the Latin American Bioeconomy Network will launch the guiding principles for implementing bioeconomy strategies.
Past event / At CBD COP16, experts will analyze the challenges of value chains in the tropics and their potential for the bioeconomy.
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