This paper offers a concise overview of how bioeconomy can contribute to the climate action strategies outlined in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations and nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and adaptation strategies. As such, it is a valuable addition to the global stocktake exercise taking place on the implementation of the Paris Agreement, as well as to the FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022-2031and the FAO Science and Innovation Strategy. Specifically, the paper aims to: 1. provide decision-makers with examples of bioeconomy innovations that can support climate change mitigation and adaptation commitments; and 2. raise general awareness on bioeconomy as part of the FAO and global agenda for climate action under the different sectors of agrifood systems and bio-based industries.

Bioeconomy is the production, utilization, conservation, and regeneration of biological resources, including related knowledge, science, technology, and innovation, to provide sustainable solutions (information, products, processes and services) within and across all economic sectors and enable a transformation to a sustainable economy. The promotion of a bioeconomy has been placed on the political agenda of more than fifty countries. Its cross-cutting nature offers a unique opportunity to comprehensively address interconnected societal challenges such as food and nutrition security, fossil-resource dependence, natural resource scarcity and climate change, while achieving sustainable economic development.

This summary is based on 'A review of the impacts of crop production on the soil microbiome: Innovations and policy recommendations to address environmental degradation, climate change and human health', produced by the informal FAO microbiome working group. The review makes clear that the soil microbiome plays a pivotal role in ecosystem health, agroecosystems, and the climate system. The review is among the first of several publications by the group that will address different microbiome ecosystems and their relatively underexplored potential to alleviate global problems.

Aware that the implementation of bioeconomy involves potential synergies and trade-offs with regards to sustainability, the ISBWG proposes to mainstream a set of Aspirational Principles and Criteria for a Sustainable Bioeconomy across all economic sectors. The Principles and Criteria cover the different dimensions of sustainability and provide a reference list of issues that should be addressed to develop bioeconomy in a sustainable and circular way at international, national and local levels.

This brochure describes what the bioeconomy is. It looks at how the bioeconomy can contribute to sustainable production and consumption and resource-use efficient agri-food systems in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner and what the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is doing to support this.