Bioeconomy for the Amazon: Concepts, Limits and Trends for a Proper Definition of the Tropical Forest Biome

This working paper argues for a shift from an industrial, energy-transition-focused 'bioeconomy' to a 'bio-ecology bioeconomy' for the Amazon. This proposed model emphasizes the conservation of a deforestation-free biome, the integration of socio-ecological landscapes, and the central role of local communities and Amazonian cities in maintaining biological and cultural diversity.

• The term 'bioeconomy' has multiple competing definitions. Initial definitions from the OECD and EU focused on transitioning from fossil fuels to biological inputs of agricultural origin, which were adopted by Brazilian sectors for large-scale biochemistry and biofuel production in consolidated agricultural areas.
• A redefined 'bio-ecology bioeconomy' is proposed for high-biodiversity biomes like the Amazon. Unlike energy-transition-focused models, this paradigm emphasizes the conservation of the biome as a deforestation-free system and integrates economic systems with socio-ecological landscapes, valuing biological, cultural, and social diversity.
• An effective Amazonian bioeconomy should prioritize local economies, the maintenance of standing forests and flowing rivers, and the knowledge of local populations. Additionally, cities within the Amazon are identified as critical mediators in transforming the relationship between society and nature to support this bio-ecology model.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Bioeconomy for the Amazon: Concepts, Limits and Trends for a Proper Definition of the Tropical Forest Biome. https://www.wri.org/research/bioeconomy-amazon-concepts-limits-and-trends-proper-definition-tropical-forest-biome

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Bioeconomy for the Amazon: Concepts, Limits and Trends for a Proper Definition of the Tropical Forest Biome. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/bioeconomy-amazon-concepts-limits-and-trends-proper-definition-tropical-forest-biome.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Bioeconomy for the Amazon: Concepts, Limits and Trends for a Proper Definition of the Tropical Forest Biome |url=https://www.wri.org/research/bioeconomy-amazon-concepts-limits-and-trends-proper-definition-tropical-forest-biome |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendbioeconomy, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Bioeconomy for the Amazon: Concepts, Limits and Trends for a Proper Definition of the Tropical Forest Biome}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/bioeconomy-amazon-concepts-limits-and-trends-proper-definition-tropical-forest-biome}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }