FAO defines the bioeconomy as the production, utilization, conservation, and regeneration of biological resources, including related knowledge, science, technology, and innovation, to provide sustainable solutions, such as information, products, processes, and services, within and across all economic sectors, thereby enabling a shift towards a sustainable economy

Bioeconomy holds great promise for transforming how we live, produce, and share resources, with people and the planet at the heart of development. But this potential will not be fulfilled without clear metrics of what counts as sustainable bioeconomy and how it can be monitored and assessed. They must also empower all stakeholders – policymakers, businesses, investors, researchers, communities – to steward biological resources responsibly and ensure that their benefits are equitably shared.

This virtual side event was held as part of the 10th UN Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation for the SDGs (STI Forum 2025), exploring the theme of advancing science-based, inclusive innovations for sustainability.

Livestock play a key role in a circular bioeconomy by converting non-edible biomass into high-value animal-sourced foods, organic fertilizers and renewable energy. By recycling nutrients and using low-opportunity-cost biomass, livestock contribute to reducing food–feed competition, enhancing soil health and closing nutrient cycles.

This FAO e-Learning course introduces bioeconomy with a focus on sustainable development using biological resources. It covers bio-based goods, the ‘4R approach’ (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover), and the importance of biomass. Emphasizing aquatic food value chains, the course highlights converting fish food by-products into valuable resources, addressing challenges, and strategies to reduce food loss and waste. Additionally, it teaches fish silage production as a cost-effective preservation method.