Possibilities for mainstreaming biodiversity? Two perspectives on the concept of bioeconomy

Abstract

The concept of bioeconomy is increasingly gaining prominence as a potential pathway to reconcile conservation objectives with economic and social aspects. However, so far, dominant bioeconomy approaches have paid little attention to potential risks and negative impacts on biodiversity. This Perspective argues that it is crucial to integrate biodiversity into bioeconomy approaches. We argue that this can happen in two ways; by mainstreaming biodiversity into dominant bioeconomy approaches which have previously not considered biodiversity in much depth, and by giving the sustainable use of biodiversity a more central place in bioeconomy strategies. Generally, biodiversity can become a central aspect of bioeconomy strategies, but questions around distribution, equity, and accountability need to be carefully considered.