Editor’s choice
This book chapter explores the potential of the world’s most biodiverse savanna to contribute significantly to the bioeconomy. The region’s abundant resources, coupled with the invaluable knowledge and sustainable practices of local communities deeply connected to the land, present a unique opportunity for the development of a sustainable and culturally-informed bioeconomy.
Photo: Mairon G. Bastos Lima / SEI
In a book focused on hope, SEI research fellow Mairon G. Bastos Lima presents Brazil’s Cerrado as a case study. The unique ecosystem continues to be gradually deforested for pastures and plantations that also drive people off the land. Sociobiodiversity value chains offer a potent way forward, and hope for changing the Cerrado’s fate for the better in socially inclusive ways through genuine sustainable development.
The chapter explores how the world’s most-biodiverse savanna offers plenty of resources for bioeconomy, while the local communities that have their cultures embedded in the land can help develop it sustainably. Scaling up efforts and overcoming persistent challenges – such as local technological and financial gaps for value addition or improved market access – remain key questions.
As the bioeconomy becomes an increasingly set paradigm, the author argues that the Cerrado’s sociobiodiversity value chains provide an opportunity that should be imperative for Brazil and may offer inspiration also for other developing regions of the world. Unsustainable practices may be replaced by sustainable development if promoted for these critical landscapes.
Other publication / Lessons for sustainable development and small business emerged from analysis of MSMEs' participation in bioeconomy transitions in the global South.
Other publication / The authors focus on smaller-scale and more diversified bioeconomy pathways grounded in local community development and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Feature / SEI experts discuss pressing biodiversity challenges and strategies ahead of COP16 in Colombia.
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