The GERMAN-BRAZILIAN BIOECONOMY WORKSHOP, held within the GreenRio 2023 event on September 1, 2023, marked a milestone in the collaboration between Germany and Brazil in the field of bioeconomy. German Parliamentary State Secretary Claudia Müller emphasized the importance of efficient resource utilization and the "food-first" principle while addressing the challenges of competition for resources. The event also showcased joint research projects and initiatives promoting sustainable bioeconomic development.
On September 1, 2023, the GERMAN-BRAZILIAN BIOECONOMY WORKSHOP took center stage within the GreenRio 2023 event, heralding a significant stride in the bilateral cooperation between Germany and Brazil in the realm of bioeconomy. The event opened with a warm welcome from Claudia Müller, the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Germany.
In her opening address, Ms. Müller underscored the successful and trustful partnership that exists between Germany and Brazil in the bioeconomy sector. She praised the collaborative efforts of both countries in seeking sustainable solutions for biomass provision, particularly in light of the rising demand. The importance of efficient resource utilization and the "food-first" principle, which prioritizes food production, were central themes of her speech.
Moreover, Ms. Müller shed light on the significance of Germany's National Biomass Strategy, a guiding framework for the nation's bioeconomy development. She also acknowledged the challenges posed by resource competition and stressed the critical need to ensure environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in bioeconomic endeavours.
Further to that the workshop provided a platform to present the joint German-Brazilian Call for Bioeconomy Research and the progress of projects supported through this initiative. This collaborative effort under the lead of the ministries of research and agriculture in Brazil and Germany aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in bioeconomy research and has already yielded promising results. These include projects focused on harnessing native plants for innovative bioeconomy applications, developing biobased materials, and optimizing fermentation processes. This cross-border exchange of knowledge and innovation is poised to contribute significantly to sustainable bioeconomic development.
Among the spotlighted research projects were:
- Native PlantInno: This German-Brazilian research endeavour seeks to leverage native plants for innovative bioeconomy applications, with a focus on sustainable solutions for medical and industrial purposes.
- AcroAlliance: The project aims to explore and harness the potential of native plants for the development of sustainable biobased products, promoting circular economy principles and reducing ecological footprints (Link).
- MicroHop: Focusing on sustainable technologies, this project aims to utilize microorganisms for the production of biofuels and chemical products, optimizing fermentation processes for enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
- BioPolyCol: Concentrating on the development of biobased polymers for diverse industrial applications, this project aims to offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics.
Additionally, Professor Thomas Dietz of the University of Münster presented the SABio project, which investigates multilateral cooperation formats in the field of bioeconomy. The "Transformation and Sustainability Governance in South American Bioeconomies (SABio)" project addresses governance structures and processes in South American countries, striving to develop sustainable strategies and policies for the responsible and environmentally friendly use of biological resources in the bioeconomy.
The workshop served as a valuable forum for Germany and Brazil to discuss and advance their respective bioeconomic strategies and collaborative initiatives. The showcased projects and research outcomes hold great promise for the future of bioeconomy development in both nations.
The projects funded by BMEL under the Joint Call (AcroAlliance and NativePlantInno) are administered by the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR).
Contact person: Philipp von Bothmer
Links: YouTube Video of the Workshop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tp5aN-N7B4
