BIOECONOMY: CONCEPTS, INTERPRETATIONS, AND APPLICATIONS IN THE AMAZON BASIN

LENTI ATTILA

Keywords: Keywords: bioeconomy, sustainability, biodiversity, ecosystems, Amazon basin JEL codes: Q23, Q57, P48

Teljes cikkThe concept of bioeconomy, or bio-based economy, encompasses a diverse theoretical literature and a wide range of interpretations, even in terms of economic philosophy. These differing bioeconomic approaches concerning the use of biological resources, are also present in tropical countries with exceptionally high biodiversity and they carry significant practical and sustainability implications. The purpose of this article is to briefly introduce the concept of bioeconomy, its different interpretations, as well as its possibilities and contradictions in the Amazon Basin. The market- and growth-centred bioeconomy perspective, which prioritizes competitiveness and the commodification of biological resources, faces substantial criticism from an ecosystem- and community-focused standpoint that emphasizes ethical and sustainability considerations. A notable feature of the latter is its advocacy for incorporating ideas from indigenous knowledge systems into bioeconomic development concepts. In the countries of the Amazon Basin, bioeconomy holds the promise of a sustainable economic model that values forest preservation over deforestation. An idea has emerged on paper for a research- and innovation-based sector that creates high added value from forest raw materials while adapting the local characteristics and respecting cultural and biological diversity, aiming to deliver greater social well-being. However, its implementation faces numerous practical obstacles, from institutional frameworks to infrastructural underdevelopment and the lack of established value chains. Perhaps the initial challenge is achieving consensus among key stakeholders—at local, regional, and even global levels—about the concept and certain fundamental principles. Clarifying the conceptual frameworks of bioeconomy and presenting the various approaches help readers navigate the primary issues and debates surrounding the topic. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53079/GAZDALKODAS.69.4.t.pp_338-351