ENVIRONMENT

ISSN 2226-6062
A N D N AT U R A L
RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT

W O R K I N G

90
P A P E R

BIOECONOMY
GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING
THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE
BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY
OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

and EUROPEAN COMMISSION, JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE
Rome, 2021
 ENVIRONMENT
A N D N AT U R A L
RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT

W O R K I N G

90
P A P E R

BIOECONOMY
GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING
THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE
BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY
OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL
Anne Bogdanski (FAO)
Jacopo Giuntoli (JRC)
Sarah Mubareka (JRC)
Marta Gomez San Juan (FAO)
Nicolas Robert (JRC)
Almona Tani (FAO)

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

and EUROPEAN COMMISSION, JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE
Rome, 2021
Required citation:
Bogdanski, A., Giuntoli, J., Mubareka, S., Gomez San Juan, M., Robert, N. & Tani, A. 2021. Guidance Note on Monitoring the
Sustainability of the Bioeconomy at a Country or Macro-regional Level. Environment and Natural Resources Management
Working Papers – Bioeconomy, No. 90. Rome, FAO and EC-JRC. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb7437en

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ISBN 978-92-5-135238-0
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CONTENTS
Foreword by Eduardo Mansur v
Foreword by Giovanni De Santi vii
Acknowledgements viii
Abbreviations and acronyms ix

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Background 1

1.2 Objective and context 2

1.3 Rationale 2

2. The guidance note 5

PART I
Conceptual stage: Define the elements of a bioeconomy monitoring system 7
Step 1: Set up an inclusive, consensus-oriented and transparent participatory process 7
Step 2: Formulate and agree on an operational definition of ‘sustainable’ and ‘circular’ bioeconomy 8
Step 3: Define the boundaries and scope of the monitoring system 10

PART II
Implementation stage: Select indicators and collect data 11
Step 4: Define criteria to select indicators 11
Step 5: Select indicators to reflect the operational definition of bioeconomy 12
Step 6: Collect and compile indicators 14
Step 7: Select reference values for each indicator 15

PART III
Assessment and communication stage 16
Step 8: Assess progress towards bioeconomy objectives and sustainability goals 16
Step 9: Communicate the results effectively and transparently 16
Step 10: Strengthen the science to policy interface through analysis and reporting 17

3. Conclusions  19

References 20

Annex 1. Aspirational Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Bioeconomy 23

Background and rationale 23

Overview of the Principles and Criteria 24

Purpose 26

Scope 26

Intended users 26

iii
FIGURES AND BOXES

FIGURES
1. General steps towards an effective and robust monitoring system for a sustainable and circular bioeconomy  6
2. Ten Aspirational Principles for a Sustainable and Circular Bioeconomy (FAO, 2021)  9

BOXES
1. Multistakeholder approach 8
2. Context specific 10
3. Setting the boundaries 11
4. Defining criteria to select indicators  12
5. Selection of indicators  13
6. Quantification of indicators - avoid reinventing the wheel  14
7. References for indicators  15
8. Trade-off analysis 16
9. Transparent and effective communication  17
10. Analysis and reporting  17

iv
FOREWORD
FAO’s commitment to promoting a sustainable guarantee sustainability, unless the model
bioeconomy has been demonstrated in is underpinned by enabling good policies,
recent years through its Towards Sustainable practices and technologies tailored to the
Bioeconomy Guidelines project, supported by the social, environmental and economic contexts.
Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. Moreover, where trade-offs exist between
One of the main objectives of this project has different sustainability objectives, it is important
been to develop guidelines for policymakers and to understand what the implications are of
practitioners on how to monitor sustainability choosing one option over another. Without
in the bioeconomy, an objective shared by the effective monitoring it is difficult to gauge these
International Bioeconomy Forum (IBF). implications, hence the importance of clear
The publication of the present guidance note guidelines to ensure that sustainability and
contributes to the above objective. The guidance circularity, as well as transparency and fairness,
note was developed jointly by FAO and the are embedded in bioeconomy development.
European Commission’s Joint Research Centre Furthermore, embracing new, improved ways of
(JRC), under the mandate of the IBF members. doing things is particularly important as we seek
The ten steps outlined to help policymakers to build back better and “greener” from COVID-19,
monitor the sustainability of the bioeconomy which has exposed many environmental and social
in their country or region are easy to follow and inequalities around the globe.
can be adapted according to context. They are With the adoption of a new FAO Strategic
also closely aligned with two other valuable Framework 2022–31 in June 2021, FAO
publications on sustainable bioeconomy that FAO demonstrated its unwavering support for the
has recently published: Aspirational Principles 2030 Agenda through the transformation to more
and Criteria for a Sustainable Bioeconomy, efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable
developed under the auspices of the International agri-food systems for better production, better
Sustainable Bioeconomy Working Group (ISBWG); nutrition, a better environment, and a better
and How to mainstream sustainability and circularity life, leaving no one behind. Bioeconomy for
into the bioeconomy? A compendium of bioeconomy Sustainable Food and Agriculture will be one of
good practices and policies. the Organization’s programme priority areas
As we move forward in the Decade of Action for the next decade. Within the sustainable
to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, bioeconomy, there are huge opportunities for
there is increased urgency on all stakeholders bio-based technological, organizational and
to strive for more sustainable ways of producing social innovations to help us both mitigate
and consuming, including through embracing and become more resilient to climate change,
the possibilities of a more bio-based economy. biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and
However, an economic model that is built other global challenges, while increasing food
on biological resources does not necessarily security and social equity.

Eduardo Mansur
Director, Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

v
FOREWORD
Bioeconomy is credited as being one of the key Despite its transformative power, the
pillars for the Green Transition in the European deployment of the bioeconomy is not without
Union (EU), yet it is not a new concept. The world uncertainty and hazards. Bioeconomy,
has changed since the days where economies were encapsulated as a concept, has made us acutely
indeed principally “bio-based” and fully depended aware of our impact on the planet and forces
on the primary production systems that sustained us to re-think and rearrange how our societies
our lives. Population growth followed by increased and economies operate. How can we govern this
consumption of natural resources and subsequently shift without a complete view of the trends and
increasing pressures on the biosphere, including broad-ranging impacts of bioeconomy sectors
climate change, are leading us to push the planet on environment, economy, and society? How
beyond several of its biophysical boundaries. Thus, can we understand the complex and potentially
the very systems that are necessary to support numerous impacts of a complete shift in the way
the conditions that have allowed modern human our primary production systems are managed?
civilization to flourish, are rapidly degrading. When navigating new waters where so much is
The bioeconomy offers an opportunity to realign at stake, reflexive governance is critical.
the economy with the biosphere. A sustainable Monitoring systems are flexible tools that are
bioeconomy can contribute to remove the shackles critical to provide useful knowledge to steer such
of fossil sources in favour of renewable biological complex socio-ecological systems. This Guidance
sources, to consider and reduce our emissions Note builds on our experience in developing a
along the full supply chain and to modernize monitoring system for the EU bioeconomy.
industries and create new jobs. A sustainable It highlights the importance of understanding
bioeconomy also encourages an overall decrease the impacts of bioeconomy through a holistic
in consumption through its underlying principles lens and encourages and guides countries and
of resource efficiency: cascading use of biological regions to set up their own monitoring systems
resources, waste prevention and recycling. A new to assess the impacts of the multi-faceted
bioeconomy forces us to re-think our traditional bioeconomy. In this way countries and regions
concepts of economic growth while acknowledging may produce the reflexive governance tools
the need to innovate in order to operate within needed to ensure that their bioeconomies are
ecological boundaries. truly a key pillar to green transition.

Giovanni De Santi
Director for Sustainable Resources
European Commission, Joint Research Centre

vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work was prepared by Anne Bogdanski (FAO), Jacopo Giuntoli (JRC), Sarah Mubareka (JRC),
Marta Gomez San Juan (FAO), Nicolas Robert (JRC), Almona Tani (FAO).
The authors would like to thank Marios Aavraamides (JRC), Patricia Gurria (JRC), Robert M´Barek (JRC),
Tevecia Ronzon (JRC), Lev Neretin (FAO), Maria Eugenia Silva (FAO) and Jörg Schweinle (Thünen Institute)
for the review of the report.
Our appreciation also goes to the editor Gordon Ramsay and the graphic designer Barbara Mortara (JRC),
whose work was coordinated under the overall editorial supervision of Shane Harnett (FAO).
This report was published in Rome under the FAO project GCP/GLO/724/GER, Towards Sustainable
Bioeconomy Guidelines (SBG), hosted in the Environmental Workstream of FAO’s Office of Climate
Change, Biodiversity and Environment.
Illustrations were prepared by the authors.
This report was commissioned by the International Bioeconomy Forum.

viii
ABBREVIATIONS AND
ACRONYMS
CAP EU Common Agricultural Policy

EU European Union

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FRLs Forest reference levels

GFFA Global Forum for Food and Agriculture

GHG Greenhouse gas

IBF International Bioeconomy Forum

ISBWG International Sustainable Bioeconomy Working Group

JRC European Commission’s Joint Research Centre

LCA Life cycle analysis

LULUCF Land use, land use change and forestry

MRIO Multiregional input-output

P&Cs Principles and Criteria

SDGs Sustainable Development Goals

ix
 C H A P T E R

1
INTRODUCTION

1.1
European Commission’s Joint Research Centre
(JRC) were given a joint mandate to develop a

BACKGROUND
guidance note on monitoring the sustainability of
the bioeconomy.
FAO is a specialized agency of the United
Nations that leads international efforts to defeat
In October 2016, the European Commission hunger. With 194 Member States, FAO works in
launched the International Bioeconomy Forum over 130 countries to raise levels of nutrition,
(IBF), a flexible multilateral informal platform, improve agricultural productivity, better the
where European and global research and lives of rural populations and contribute to the
innovation partners gather to discuss and act on growth of the world’s economy. FAO received
common challenges; share ideas, knowledge and a mandate to coordinate international work
experiences on policies, strategies and actions; on ‘food first’ sustainable bioeconomy from
and foster collaboration and joint activities 62 government ministers at the Global Forum
that promote innovation in key sectors of the for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) meeting in
bioeconomy. The IBF, which provides a forum Berlin in 2015. After receiving this mandate, FAO
for regular, strategic international cooperation, has received support from the Government of
focuses on building policy coherence and Germany to assist countries in the development
aims at exploiting synergies among countries, of bioeconomy strategies and programmes. In
regions and sectors. During the Vancouver IBF particular, the project, Towards Sustainable
workshop in May 2019, the Food and Agriculture Bioeconomy Guidelines, includes work on
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the monitoring the sustainability of the bioeconomy.

1
 GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL

The JRC, the European Commission’s science and the FAO report Indicators to monitor and evaluate
knowledge service, provides the European Union the sustainability of bioeconomy, overview and a
(EU) and national authorities with independent proposed way forward (Bracco et al., 2019) and the
scientific support. In collaboration with several JRC report, Building a monitoring system for the EU
other European Commission Services, Member Bioeconomy (Giuntoli et al., 2020).
States and stakeholders, the JRC is leading the
development of an EU-wide, internationally
coherent monitoring system to track economic,
social and environmental progress towards 1.3
a circular and sustainable bioeconomy. The
EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System (EC, 2021) RATIONALE
is publicly available through the European
Commission's Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy. Monitoring systems allow decision makers to
assess the performance and progress towards
specific strategic objectives that reflect an

1.2 overall vision. The bioeconomy consists of

complex social, economic, and environmental

OBJECTIVE AND systems. Most direct and indirect impacts are

unpredictable, and trade-offs are unavoidable.

CONTEXT A reliable, holistic, and timely monitoring system

is an essential component for the adaptive
governance of these complex systems.
This document provides guidance to The bioeconomy takes different forms
policymakers on how to monitor the within various geographical contexts. These
sustainability of the bioeconomy in their country forms will depend on the current economic,
or within a macro-region, such as the EU. It social and environmental conditions, available
can also be applied to monitor the sustainable opportunities, and the priorities set by each
implementation of bioeconomy strategies country. Consequently, monitoring systems will
at sub-national level. In any geographical need to reflect the specific strategic objectives
context, the bioeconomy encompasses the that underpin the national or macro-regional
primary production sectors (crop and livestock bioeconomy strategies.
production, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture) Nonetheless, some key principles and criteria
and the ecosystems that supply the primary that provide important elements of a normative
materials and services to these sectors. It also definition of a “sustainable” bioeconomy should
comprises secondary production sectors, such as be taken up by all national and macro-regional
food manufacturing and processing industries; bioeconomy frameworks to ensure coherence.
and tertiary (service) sectors, such as research This was proposed by the FAO-led International
and innovation, the retail sector, the food service Sustainable Bioeconomy Working Group (ISBWG),
industry, and waste management. The exact which then developed a set of Aspirational
composition of the bioeconomy depends on the Principles and Criteria for a Sustainable Bioeconomy
context of each country or macro-region. (FAO, 2021). These principles and criteria allow
This guidance note describes a series of for mutual learning on issues to be considered
general steps for designing and implementing a when implementing bioeconomy technologies,
monitoring system to assess the sustainability practices or policies and for the monitoring of
of the bioeconomy in a country or macro-region. progress towards sustainability. The aspirational
This note builds on lessons learned from existing principles and criteria also remind countries of
experiences of national and macro-regional their global responsibility to respect existing
bioeconomy monitoring systems as described in multilateral environmental agreements.

2
 Introduction

XX foster mutual learning between countries

Regardless of national or macro-regional
and macro-regions on innovative solutions
priorities, the bioeconomy is a part of the broader
to economic, social and environmental
economy and has an impact on the well-being
challenges, and enable the sharing of good
of society and the environment. The normative
practices and policies (Gomez San Juan and
definition of the monitoring framework assures
Bogdanski, 2021);
that the framework is able to assess progress
towards sustainability and circularity that covers XX evaluate the transboundary effects of
the range of economic, social and environmental sustainable consumption and production of
dimensions. food, feed, bioproducts and bioenergy in a
An internationally coherent monitoring transparent way (OECD and EC-JRC, 2021); and
system would help:
XX create some common shared elements of a
XX ensure that monitoring of the bioeconomy normative definition and understanding of
addresses all dimensions of sustainability, and what a sustainable bioeconomy should look like.
highlights and facilitates the management
This guidance note provides a step-by-step
of potential synergies and trade-offs in
guide on how to set up a monitoring system for
ways that are in line with the 2030 Agenda
the bioeconomy at a country or macro-region
and the Sustainable Development Goals
level, and outlines why it is important to develop
(SDGs) and other multilateral environmental
a robust monitoring system before moving
agreements, including the Paris Agreement on
towards implementation.
Climate Change;

3
 C H A P T E R

2
THE GUIDANCE NOTE

A full bioeconomy monitoring system helps A conceptual framework is essential to

to assess the performance and progress of the the success of the monitoring efforts. It lays
bioeconomy in a given country or macro-region. the foundation for the effective collection,
This guidance note describes a series of general organization, interpretation and communication
steps that should be followed to establish of complex information. A conceptual
an effective and robust system to monitor a framework will:
sustainable bioeconomy. These steps can be
XX build a concrete vision of a sustainable and
grouped in three stages that establish three types
circular bioeconomy that can be easily shared,
of framework:
discussed, and interpreted among different
1 a conceptual framework, where all the elements stakeholders;
of the monitoring system are defined;
XX ensure that the holistic nature of bioeconomy
2 an implementation framework, where the is captured;
conceptual framework is populated with
XX enable a disaggregation of the various aspects
indicators and data collection methodologies
of the bioeconomy, which are often interlinked,
are selected; and
and highlight the trade-offs and synergies
3 an assessment and communication that have been identified through the selected
framework, where the trends are assessed indicators; and
and communicated.
XX reveal common aspects of the bioeconomy across
different stakeholders and economic sectors.

5
 GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL

The implementation framework will: The assessment and communication

framework will:
XX provide selection criteria for indicators;
XX assess progress towards reaching the strategic
XX ensure that the selected set of indicators
objectives and sustainability goals of the
is balanced across all dimensions of
bioeconomy;
sustainability;
XX help to communicate the results in an effective
XX highlight gaps in data availability; and
and transparent manner; and
XX enable the definition of reference values.
XX provide in-depth, ad hoc policy-relevant
assessments based on the indicators.

Stakeholder involvement is critical in all steps

of the process.

F I G U R E 1.

GENERAL STEPS TOWARDS AN EFFECTIVE AND ROBUST MONITORING SYSTEM FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY

10
STEPS
FOR A
BIOECONOMY
A S S E S S A N D C O M M U N I C AT E
Disseminate messages from the system in a clear and transparent manner
MONITORING
SYSTEM 8 ASSESS PROGRESS
TOWARDS GOALS
9 COMMUNICATE
RESULTS
10 TARGETED, IN
DEPTH ANALYSIS
FOR POLICY

IMPLEMENT
Select indicators and collect data

4 DEFINE 5 SELECT 6 COLLECT 7 SELECT

CRITERIA INDICATORS AND COMPILE REFERENCE
TO SELECT INDICATORS VALUES FOR
INDICATORS EACH INDICATOR

CONCEIVE
Define the elements of the bioeconomy monitoring system

1 SET UP A 2 AGREE ON AN 3 DEFINE THE

PARTICIPATORY OPERATIONAL BOUNDARIES
PROCESS DEFINITION AND SCOPE

STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS

Source: Authors' elaboration.

6
 The guidance note

PART I
context, as different stakeholders may be
interested in different aspects and information

CONCEPTUAL STAGE:
(Robert et al., 2020). The primary target group
of the final system and the active proponents

Define the elements

of a monitoring framework are usually
policymakers. However, other stakeholders

of a bioeconomy
have to be included in the participatory process
to develop a monitoring system. Involving

monitoring system
different stakeholders ensures that the system
meets expectations, addresses concerns,
highlights opportunities of relevance to each
group and, finally, broadens the expertise pool
A key issue in monitoring progress towards a involved in delivering a comprehensive and
sustainable and circular bioeconomy is defining quality system.
what a ‘sustainable’ and ´circular´ bioeconomy
XX Policymakers will use the results of the
should look like from an operational perspective.
monitoring to assess the performance and
This normative task is essential to capture the
progress of the bioeconomy, and make
holistic nature of sustainability. It will minimize
suggestions for further improvements.
gaps in the monitoring system and ensure that
as many as possible direct and indirect impacts XX Private sector stakeholders may be
of the bioeconomy are properly captured, so that particularly interested in the sustainability
they can be managed. performance of specific aspects of the
There are three main elements that can bioeconomy related to food, feed, materials
help assess and mitigate gaps in monitoring and energy.
systems. The first is to embrace a participatory
XX Consumers may want to be informed
approach that involves a representative group
about their consumption choices, and hold
of committed stakeholders. The second is to
the government and the private sector
define and adopt a sound set of principles and
accountable for management decisions.
criteria to ensure the indicators cover all the
different dimensions of sustainability. The third XX Stakeholders from academia may be
is to define the scope of the monitoring effort. interested in accessing the monitoring
Guidance on how to effectively implement these framework and its underlying data to compile
three elements is provided below. their own analyses.

Step 1: Set up an inclusive, XX All stakeholders will be able to contribute

consensus-oriented  their expertise and experiences.
and transparent Stakeholder participation is critical,
participatory process but inclusiveness, consensus building and
Implementing good governance principles is transparency are also important aspects for
an integral part of sustainable bioeconomy building and implementing a monitoring system.
development. This includes participatory
XX Inclusion of a wide range of stakeholders
decision-making, inclusiveness, consensus
allows for a variety of perspectives and values
building and transparency throughout the
to be considered during the design of the
process. This applies both to the bioeconomy and
monitoring system and reflected later in the
its monitoring, assessment and communication.
choice of priorities for assessing risks and
The motivation for developing a bioeconomy
hotspots, and evaluating trade-offs.
monitoring system varies depending on the

7
 GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL

XX Consensus on the indicators selected for among many stakeholders with divergent views
the conceptual framework guarantees that can be a complicated task. In a participatory
the indicators are well accepted, and their process, a major challenge is to balance wide and
meaning is well understood and shared by representative participation with an effective
all stakeholders, which will facilitate the decision-making process that can determine the
adoption of the system. structure and content of the monitoring system.
Considering that there is a need to deliver a
XX Transparency ensures that information is
full-fledged system, and that participation of
available, accessible and comprehensible
different stakeholders is a time-consuming
to all stakeholders involved in the
endeavour, a solution may be to establish
participatory process.
different levels of participation. In practice, this
would translate into the involvement of some
A multistakeholder platform that includes
stakeholders throughout the entire process
representatives from the public and private
in a step-by-step process, while the views of
sectors, as well as from civil society can be
other categories of stakeholders are collected at
created to accompany and participate along the
different stages where appropriate.
whole process: from setting a workable definition
The strengths and weaknesses of the
of what constitutes the bioeconomy based on a
monitoring system will become evident once
shared vision of the bioeconomy strategy, to the
it is operational. It is therefore important to
establishment of the conceptual framework, to
plan for periodic reviews of the system with the
potential cooperation on data collection.
appropriate stakeholders.
Participatory and inclusive approaches can be
challenging, and reaching any form of consensus

„„ BOX 1. MULTISTAKEHOLDER APPROACH

Promote the development of participatory, inclusive, consensus-oriented and transparent processes, and the creation of a
multistakeholder working group for developing and monitoring a sustainable bioeconomy.
• Identify and map all categories of stakeholder.
• Develop multistakeholder platforms.
• Foresee a mechanism to periodically reassess the monitoring system.

Step 2: Formulate and The SDGs represent a global agreement on

agree on an operational what sustainable development should look
definition of ‘sustainable’ like, and through this normative exercise the
and ‘circular’ bioeconomy international community has agreed on and
spelled out what is good, right and desirable
In most cases, the mandate for a monitoring progress. Following the same principles, the
system will be defined within the national ISBWG has carried out a similar normative
or macro-regional bioeconomy strategies. exercise for the concept of bioeconomy. The
Consequently, the goal of the system will be to result is a list of ten aspirational principles and
track the progress towards the specific objectives 24 criteria (henceforth referred to as the P&Cs)
established in the strategy documents. However, that were agreed upon by the ISBWG in 2016
for the purpose of this guidance note, the and represent the cornerstones of a sustainable
overarching goal of the monitoring system is to bioeconomy (See Figure 2 and Annex 1). Defining
assess the progress of the bioeconomy towards normative criteria facilitates the establishment
achieving environmental, social, and economic of a clear link between the proposed indicators
sustainability, which includes resource-use and their broader meaning. It also allows for
efficiency and circularity. a clear qualification of the directionality of

8
 The guidance note

F I G U R E 2 .

TEN ASPIRATIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY (FAO, 2021)

PRINCIPLE 3
COMPETITIVE AND INCLUSIVE
SDG 5, 7 and 8

PRINCIPLE 5
EFFICIENT AND CIRCULAR PRINCIPLE 7
SDG 6 and 13 INNOVATIVE
SDG 4 and 9

ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY
2 8
10
PRINCIPLE PRINCIPLE
PRODUCTIVE AND REGENERATIVE EQUITABLE

PRINCIPLES
SDG 14 and 15 SDG 10

FOR A
SUSTAINABLE
BIOECONOMY
PRINCIPLE 10 PRINCIPLE 9
COLLABORATIVE RESPONSIBLE
SDG 17 GOVERNANCE SOCIETY SDG 12

PRINCIPLE 4
PRINCIPLE 6 RESILIENT AND FAIR
WELL GOVERNED AND TRANSPARENT SDG 1 and 11
SDG 16

PRINCIPLE 1
FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURE
SDG 2 and 3

Source: FAO (2021).

trends of the indicators, which serves to qualify The P&Cs provide countries with a blueprint for
“positive” and “negative” progress towards the what should be monitored to achieve a holistic
underlying objective. view of the bioeconomy. The aspirational list
Three examples of operationalization of the should be seen as a source of inspiration that
P&Cs can be found in Gomez San Juan, Bogdanski will evolve over time.
and Dubois (2019), Bracco et al. (2019) and At a minimum, progress should be monitored
Giuntoli et al. (2020). Bracco et al. (2019) further across all the ten principles (Figure 2 and
disaggregated the list of P&Cs into “impact Annex 1), and as many criteria as are pertinent
categories” and conducted a literature review of to the national context should be covered. While
existing indicators for each category. Giuntoli the P&Cs are general and aspirational, the
et al. (2020) rearranged the list of P&Cs to create specific meaning, interpretation, and indicators
a conceptual framework to articulate a concrete chosen to monitor the progress towards the P&Cs
vision for a sustainable and circular bioeconomy will change depending on national or macro-
in the European Union (EU). regional policy goals and circumstances.
The P&Cs are composed of 24 criteria Since many aspects of sustainability are
that cover economic, environmental and interlinked, it is necessary to pay particular
social dimensions of sustainability, as well attention to the unintentional negative impacts
as principles related to governance, which that the fulfillment of one criterion may have,
underpin all three of these dimensions. or the synergies that it may share with other

9
 GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL

criteria. This is why it is necessary to consult with will facilitate a dialogue about trade-offs and
a wide range of stakeholders (see Step 1). A well synergies, and allow for an informed discussion
formulated and inclusive monitoring framework among involved stakeholders.

„„ BOX 2. CONTEXT SPECIFIC

Tailor the conceptual monitoring system to the national and macro-regional needs and context without losing the system
perspective.
• Formulate a workable definition of a sustainable bioeconomy within the national or macro-regional context by adapting
the list of ten aspirational principles and 24 criteria developed by the ISBGW.
• Identify the impact boundaries.

Step 3: Define the approach using some product-based life cycle

boundaries and scope of analysis (LCA) indicators within a wider territorial
the monitoring system approach in their conceptual framework. The
added value of the product-based monitoring
The third step in the conceptual phase involves derives from its assessment of the environmental
defining a clear scope with well-defined impact of trade of bio-based commodities in the
boundaries for the monitoring system. The scope place of origin, and the environmental impact of
of the monitoring will likely be closely aligned bio-based products consumed in the EU (based
with the scope and boundaries of the bioeconomy on the indicators proposed by Sala and Castellani,
as defined in the national or macro-regional 2019). Other frameworks, for example Schweinle
strategy and related regulations and rules. et al. (2020) and Iost et al. (2020), propose similar
An important step for the success of product-based indicators.
monitoring efforts is the precise definition of the The two monitoring levels have different
sectoral composition of the bioeconomy that is characteristics, different data requirements,
subject to monitoring. The geographic scope also and mainly differ in their capacity to establish
needs to be defined (i.e. whether the monitoring an explicit causal link with the bioeconomy.
will focus on the macro-regional, national or For instance, the United Nations framework
sub-national level). Most of the indicators in for global monitoring of the SDGs explicitly
the literature describe national performance, recommends the use of simple, single variable
but there are also examples of sub-national indicators. In many cases, basic statistical
frameworks, for example the approach used and measured data can be given a precise
by the BioEconomy Regional Strategy Toolkit interpretation and be used directly as indicators,
project (BERST, 2016), and methodologies for functioning as proxies for more complex
specific products. processes and trends, even though causally
At a technical workshop conducted by the distant from the element that is intended to
ISWGB before the Global Bioeconomy Summit be indicated (the indicandum). An effective
in Berlin in 2018, experts introduced two conceptual framework supports the proper
different levels of focus for monitoring systems: organization and interpretation of these proxies.
a territorial level and a product level. The two On the other hand, product-based indicators
levels can be used alternatively depending on allow a closer level of control over the datasets
the scope of the monitoring, or they can be that are used. They can filter out many
used as complementary tools to provide a more confounding drivers, and eventually obtain
complete picture of the bioeconomy. For example, results that are attributable to the specific
Giuntoli et al. (2020) followed a complementary product or sector under investigation. The two

10
 The guidance note

main approaches found in the literature are (2019) present the Consumer Footprint indicator,
product-based LCA and the use of multiregional which uses product-based LCA to evaluate the
input-output (MRIO) databases (see e.g. Sala and environmental impact of EU consumption based
Castellani, 2019; Schweinle et al., 2020). While LCA on a representative basket of products. On the
approaches for sustainability are being developed other hand, Schweinle et al. (2020) selected
to include social and economic dimensions, indicators to evaluate some environmental,
both the classic LCA and MRIO approaches are social, and economic effects of a bio-based
currently more developed and applied to assess material flow.
environmental flows and impacts. Therefore, A different scope could be the use of
care must be taken to interpret these indicators product-based indicators to produce labelling
correctly to avoid the shifting of the burden from information or benchmarking of similar
one dimension of sustainability to another. products to inform consumers and producers.
Finally, product-based indicators can be An example of this approach is the EU Product
used for different purposes within monitoring Environmental Footprint methodology
frameworks. For instance, Sala and Castellani (Zampori and Pant, 2019).

„„ BOX 3. SETTING THE BOUNDARIES

Define a clear scope with clearly defined boundaries for the monitoring system.
• Define the exact sectoral composition of the bioeconomy.
• Define the geographic scope.
• Decide whether or not to monitor at the territorial level, the product level or both.

PART II Step 4: Define criteria

to select indicators

IMPLEMENTATION The first step in developing the implementation

STAGE:
framework is to define the parameters that will
be used to rank and select available indicators.

Select indicators
Several examples of selection criteria can be
found in the literature. For instance, Eurostat

and collect data

has proposed a scoreboard for the selection
of indicators within the SDG framework with
parameters focusing mostly on the statistical
quality of the indicators, e.g. timeliness, data
After the conceptual framework has been availability, frequency of dissemination,
established, the next stage involves the geographical coverage (Eurostat, 2016). FAO has
development of an implementation framework. established the links between the Sustainable
In this stage, the conceptual framework is Bioeconomy Principles and Criteria and the SDG
populated with relevant indicators. These indicators (Çalıcıoğlu and Bogdanski, 2021).
indicators need to be identified, screened, and Based on the experience with existing
selected through a multistakeholder approach frameworks, it is recommended to rank and
(Step 1) to report progress on the sustainability select indicators partly or entirely on the
of the bioeconomy. following parameters.

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 GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL

Meaningful: The indicator contributes clear for instance data collected to meet reporting
information to the achievement of the normative obligations under international agreements. The
criterion of the framework. The meaning of the underlying data for the indicator should also be
indicator is clear in terms of the chain of cause and frequently disseminated.
effect. The directionality and its relationship with Geographical coverage: Global, macro-
the normative criterion are clear and accepted. international regions, macro-regions, national
Established: The indicator is policy-relevant level, sub-national level.
and already used in other policy monitoring Comparable across countries and/or
frameworks. The indicator is used in other products or sectors: Where possible, the
international statistical sets, which guarantees indicator should be defined in the same way
that the indicator is achievable and measurable. across countries and products or sectors. This
This allows for the development of a time series parameter applies when several indicators can
based on well-established data sources. The be used for the same purpose. Internationally
selected indicators are methodologically well comparable indicators are preferable as
founded, and documentation on the indicators they allow for setting benchmarks for the
includes information on the uncertainty and performance of bioeconomies, and facilitate the
quality of the data. exchange of ideas.
Timely: The indicator should be based on data Comparable over time: There should be no
that have been recently published and reflect variations over time in the methodology used to
recent conditions. generate the data series.
Frequency: The indicator should be based Transparent and accessible: The data should
on routinely and frequently collected data, be openly available and clearly documented.

„„ BOX 4. DEFINING CRITERIA TO SELECT INDICATORS

Define relevant parameters that will be used to rank and select available indicators.
• Select the approach to take.
• Prepare a methodology to rank indicators accordingly.

Step 5: Select indicators that comply with the selection criteria (step 4),
to reflect the operational such as information and data that are available
definition of bioeconomy and regularly updated, comparable over time, etc.
This step should lead to the selection of a
An indicator is a measure based on verifiable balanced set of indicators covering all aspects
data that conveys information about more of a sustainable bioeconomy. Many indicators
than itself. Indicators are purpose-dependent, may already be available, as has been shown
meaning that the interpretation given to the by the recent literature review by Bracco et al.
data depends on the context in which the (2019). Although the indicators will depend
indicator and data are used. Different types of on the monitoring goals and will be the result
indicators are needed to answer different types of stakeholder consultation, the final set of
of questions, or the same indicator can be used indicators will also depend on data availability
to assess different questions. and on the possibility to expand data collection.
As established before, each country or At the territorial level, several indicators may
macro-region should identify the best already have been collected by each country
potential indicator(s) for each criterion or macro-region. These indicators can then be
within the conceptual framework through a re-interpreted according to the bioeconomy
multistakeholder approach and based on the monitoring priorities using the conceptual
opinion of experts, and then select the indicators framework defined in Step 2 as a basis.

12
 The guidance note

For instance, indicators that are defined (or in the by a direct indicator (e.g. soil organic carbon
process of being defined) to measure progress content) that shows soil quality, or by a proxy
towards the SDGs are also often sufficiently indicator, such as the number of hectares under
representative for several bioeconomy criteria conservation agriculture that reports on the
with minimal or no alterations (Bracco et al., implementation of conservation agriculture
2019), so that countries may use them as a helpful as a good practice for preserving soil quality.
starting point. Nonetheless, not all criteria may Similarly, avoided GHG emissions from
be covered by existing SDG indicators, and the livestock can be measured through direct
exploration of other sources of information and indicators or estimated using indicators of size
data is encouraged to cover all dimensions of of the herd. For a comprehensive introduction to
sustainability. For detailed links between the indicator typologies, including basic indicators,
P&Cs and SDGs, refer to Giuntoli et al. (2020), process indicators or system-level indicators,
and Calicioglu and Bogdanski (2021). When the see Bracco et al. (2019).
scope of the monitoring is focused on the product To give a general overview of the status
or value chain, the selected indicators can be of the bioeconomy using a limited number
adapted for each bio-based product, based on the of indicators, aggregated or representative
relevant product value chain and its hotspots. The indicators can be used. The complexity of an
data for these indicators may already be available, indicator and its objectivity depends on its level
for instance if the bio-based product is certified of aggregation. Robert et al. (2020) present a
or labelled. Again, it is important to ensure that pyramid of information with different categories
results are displayed in a way that can be easily of indicators. At the foundation of the pyramid
understood by all consumers and users. are the underlying statistical data that can be
Many indicators are quantitative, e.g. kg yield/ha, measured. On this foundation, there are three
the amount of financial investments in tiers of indicators that differ in complexity,
bio-based industries, or greenhouse gas (GHG) and are consequently subject to greater
emissions/kg of product. However, qualitative interpretation. In some cases, it is appropriate
indicators also provide important information to use basic indicators, whereas in other cases it
and may be used in a monitoring system. For is appropriate to use processed or system-level
instance, some indicators require the reporting indicators. Processed indicators are the result of
of a good practice as a proxy, as done in the EU a transformation of basic indicators so that they
common agricultural policy (CAP) monitoring provide a harmonized view on a particular aspect
system (see Step 8). In some cases, the Boolean of the bioeconomy. The processing can consist in
“yes/no” indicator can be used. In the case the harmonization of basic indicators to enable
of Boolean indicators, it is possible to attach comparison between sectors. System-level
numerical value to the indicator for additional indicators are indicators that require a higher
quantitative analysis: “yes” can be attributed level of value judgment in their compilation
a score of 1 or 100 percent, while “no” can be because of the higher level of complexity of the
attributed a zero score. In other cases, some questions the indicators are addressing. In some
indicators may not be directly measurable. For cases, but not always, the system-level indicators
example, soil degradation can be measured make use of basic or processed indicators.

„„ BOX 5. SELECTION OF INDICATORS

Select indicators in a collaborative and participatory process.
• Consider both quantitative and qualitative indicators.
• Consider what needs to be measured and monitored first, then assess whether or not an indicator exists for this or an
indirect proxy must be sought.
• Allow different levels of aggregation of indicators in the monitoring system.
• Leverage open science data policy for data access.

13
 GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL

Step 6: Collect and transformations can range from changes in the

compile indicators measurement unit to the aggregation of sectoral
statistics into “bioeconomy-wide” datasets
To quantify the indicators, the most immediate (Ronzon et al., 2020). System-level indicators,
option is to make use of existing and though requiring a more subjective value
internationally recognized indicators to limit the judgment, can be obtained based on consolidated
reporting burden. For example, data on economic techniques (e.g. product-based LCAs).
information can be retrieved from national or When there are data gaps at the territorial
international accounts, or from international level, data may be aggregated at the product
databases (e.g. statistics from the United Nations). or value chain level, or vice versa (i.e. data at
For instance, data on the status of forests are territorial level can be disaggregated if there are
partly reported to the Global Forest Resource gaps at product or value chain level). For instance,
Assessment, which is coordinated by FAO. footprint-type indicators can be calculated
Other indicators are aspirational, and data are to provide aggregated, synthetic information
currently not available. This is often the case for within the framework (O’Brien et al., 2015; 2017).
environmental and social statistics, although A social LCA for a product depends heavily on
some national, regional and international the geographical location of the production
initiatives have been undertaken in this area. plant. Therefore, if case-specific data for a
For example, the environmental accounts of more precise assessment of the socio-economic
the EU provide information on environmental impact of a bioproduct are lacking, the impact
protection that covers activities related to can be assessed more generally using data at the
preventing, reducing and eliminating pollution territorial level (e.g. working conditions, labour
and any other environmental degradation, rights and child labour at the national level).
and improving resource management and the It is possible that certain P&Cs in the
preservation of natural resources. conceptual framework cannot be covered by
Another challenge is that existing reporting any available dataset or indicator. However,
systems are not necessarily adapted to the it is recommended that all sections of the
bioeconomy, but are geared for reporting on frameworks be filled with indicators, even if that
the economy as a whole. However, economy- means using a proxy (e.g. a qualitative or good
wide indicators at the most basic level may be practice indicator) or selecting a placeholder.
applicable to the bioeconomy. For instance, This will guarantee that gaps in any dimension
processed indicators can be the result of a of sustainability are not ignored and can be
transformation of basic indicators, and these addressed in the future.

„„ BOX 6. QUANTIFICATION OF INDICATORS - AVOID REINVENTING THE WHEEL

Take into consideration existing methodologies, indicators and data.
• Review existing literature on sustainable development monitoring and sustainability assessments.
• Where possible, use indicators from frameworks that stakeholders are already reporting on, such as SDGs, standards,
certificates and labels.
• Select a proxy or placeholder when no suitable indicators are found for one or more of the sustainability dimensions
defined in the conceptual framework and work towards filling the gap.

14
 The guidance note

Step 7: Select reference planetary boundaries. Another possible, but more

values for each indicator complicated alternative, is to determine targets
compared to an alternative counterfactual (i.e.
The P&Cs provide a normative definition of comparing the value of an indicator to the value
what a sustainable bioeconomy should achieve, that indicator would have in a business-as-usual
and thus already define the assessment of scenario without the current intervention). An
positive and negative progress for each section example is the forest reference levels (FRLs) that
of the framework. However, the P&Cs do not are defined for the land use, land use change and
include any specific quantitative target or forestry (LULUCF) regulation of the EU.
sustainability threshold. This is left to the needs The directionality of each indicator should
and circumstances of each country. Targets may be evaluated against the P&Cs within the
be clearly expressed in the bioeconomy strategy conceptual framework. The identification of a
or related policies of a country, but in many cases, clear directionality is a clear sign of relevance of
these targets remain qualitative. Stakeholder the indicator for the specific criterion. Confusion
groups can be called upon to reach commonly or disagreement about directionality should be
agreed targets on quantitative objectives. interpreted as a sign of insufficient relevance
Targets, and subsequently the measurement of or unclear link between the indicator and the
progress, can be defined in a relative or absolute indicandum. If the conceptual framework is
way. In other words, a target can simply define properly designed, it should be fairly simple to
a desired trend with respect to a fixed reference isolate the different aspects of the system that
value (e.g. reduction of GHG emissions compared have been analysed and assign a directionality
to 1990), which is considered positive, or define to each indicator. For instance, increased harvest
a specific numerical target to be achieved from forests might appear as a positive indicator
(e.g. a 55 percent reduction of GHG emissions in economic terms, and as a negative indicator in
compared to 1990). In turn, the numerical target environmental terms. Different indicators should
can represent an aspirational or normative one be used to capture these aspects in different
(usually employed for social targets), or a firm sections of the framework.
biophysical threshold, such as in the case of the

„„ BOX 7. REFERENCES FOR INDICATORS

Take targets into consideration.
• Targets can be numerical or a desired trend.
• If they are numerical, clearly state the numerical reference values.
• Ensure that the indicator is appropriately placed in the conceptual framework by verifying its directionality with respect
to the targets.

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 GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL

PART III Step 8: Assess progress

towards bioeconomy objectives

ASSESSMENT AND and sustainability goals

COMMUNICATION This step provides the final information

STAGE
on progress that has been made towards
reaching the bioeconomy strategy objectives
and sustainability goals and is based on the
quantification of the indicators in Step 6 and the
careful selection of reference values in Step 7.
Once the conceptual framework is populated Careful consideration should be given to
with meaningful, established, high-quality whether aggregating indicators may be more
indicators that cover all dimensions of effective than presenting a dashboard of the
sustainability, and the indicators have been whole set of indicators. One of the main goals
quantified and relevant reference values have of a monitoring system for the bioeconomy is to
been set, it is the responsibility of policymakers identify potential trade-offs and synergies that
to assess the results of the monitoring might not be evident when looking at a single
and communicate them to the public in a sector or dimension of sustainability.
transparent manner. Identifying the synergies and trade-offs is
particularly important not only to monitor
the sustainability of the bioeconomy, but also
to establish cross-sectoral integration and
collaboration that is required to fully capitalize
on these synergies and minimize the trade-offs
as much as possible.

„„ BOX 8. TRADE-OFF ANALYSIS

Some examples of potential trade-offs that might influence the sustainability of the bioeconomy and limit its boundaries include:
• Poverty vs biodiversity.
• Agricultural productivity vs climate change action.
• Agricultural productivity vs employment.
• Nutrient recovery from wastewater vs human health and soil quality.
• Land use vs ecosystem services.

Step 9: Communicate the results For instance, spider diagrams and/or

effectively and transparently interactive graphics can be an effective way of
showing progress in a subset of the analysed
The results should be presented in a sound indicators. Grouping indicators into the three
and simple way, ideally through interactive sustainability dimensions (environmental,
web-based dashboards. This is essential for social and economic) may make it easier to
communicating the results effectively to communicate the results. Alternative ways of
policymakers and other interested stakeholders aggregating the indicators could be considered,
to support an informed decision-making process, for instance by grouping them into headline
and to the general public to increase consumer indicators that answer some overarching
awareness and the market uptake of the more questions (e.g. “Does the bioeconomy contribute
sustainable bio-based products. to climate change mitigation?”).

16
 The guidance note

Transparency regarding the data and tools. Even though multiple viewpoints will
methods that are used is also an important be considered through the participatory
issue to be considered for the communication of process, it is important that value choices
the results. All data used to create the indicators are transparently reported and explained
in the system should be made available to the when defining the system and disseminating
public. The data should be accompanied by a the results.
technical description of each indicator that Finally, a feedback loop that feeds into Step 1
clearly details the data quality and sources, is required to evaluate whether the monitoring
and the ways the data were transformed. system is functional and useful for a variety
Additionally, value choices will be made along of stakeholders, and to update it as the policy
the whole process of defining the monitoring priorities change or the scientific understanding
system, from the definition of the framework, improves. However, the core of the system should
to the selection of indicators and their targets, be allowed to remain unchanged to guarantee
to the definition of indices and communication the comparability of trends over time.

„„ BOX 9. TRANSPARENT AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Enable an informed and transparent decision-making process and increase consumer awareness.
• Identify and use innovative and effective methodologies for communicating results and showing progress.
• Provide information to citizens in a clear and understandable way by encouraging concerted action from all stakeholders.
• Provide analysis and insights to inform policy.

Step 10: Strengthen the science of the implementation of the bioeconomy. In

to policy interface through these cases, ad hoc analysis can be made using
analysis and reporting the data available in the monitoring system.
The output of the monitoring system does Different data will be used to answer different
not necessarily tell a complete story unless questions. However if the system has been
additional analysis is undertaken, and it developed in a transparent and participatory
certainly does not represent a political position. manner, covers all dimensions of sustainability,
The strength of a good monitoring system is and represents the indicators that are necessary
in its objective reporting. It is often the case, to assess the region or country’s bioeconomy,
however, that specific questions need to be many different questions can be answered
answered. Frequently these will be policy from the same data pool, which will ensure
questions related to the effectiveness or impacts transparency and continuity.

„„ BOX 10. ANALYSIS AND REPORTING

Strengthen the interface between science and policy through ad hoc expert analysis.
• Analyse specific policy-relevant questions using the appropriate data in the monitoring.
• Periodically select themes for in-depth analysis using the monitoring system, which will also highlight the strengths and
weaknesses that may be taken up during the review process of the system.

17
 C H A P T E R

3
CONCLUSIONS

The bioeconomy can make important This note builds on lessons learned from existing
contributions to solving global challenges, experiences of national and macro-regional
like health and nutrition of a growing global bioeconomy monitoring systems.
population; sustainable provision of food, energy, Various governments around the world have
water and raw materials; as well as soil, climate already implemented or are in the process of
and environmental protection and restoration, implementing their own bioeconomy strategies
thereby contributing to the Sustainable and monitoring systems. Learning with
Development Goals of the United Nations. and from each other is essential for regular,
This guidance note suggests how to monitor strategic international cooperation, building
the sustainability of the bioeconomy at different policy coherence and exploiting synergies
scales. It describes a series of general steps between countries and regions to support
for designing and implementing a monitoring the development of a sustainable, global
system to assess the sustainability of the bioeconomy (IBF, 2021).
bioeconomy in a country or macro-region.

19
 GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL

REFERENCES
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21
ANNEX 1
ASPIRATIONAL PRINCIPLES
AND CRITERIA FOR
SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY

The description of each one of the Aspirational Principles and Criteria for Sustainable
Bioeconomy can be found in FAO (2021). Annex 1 provides a summary of the background,
purpose, scope and intended users based on FAO (2021) and provides an overview of the
P&Cs at the end.

BACKGROUND AND FAO provides international support to increase

national capacities to develop strategies and

RATIONALE policies for sustainability in the bioeconomy. The

mechanism adopted by the ISBWG represents
a sound approach for achieving Sustainable
Although bioeconomy addresses global, Development Goal (SDG) 17, particularly target
multidimensional challenges, it does not 17.9 on enhancing international support for
guarantee sustainability per se. At the Global implementing national plans. The ISBWG
Forum for Food and Agriculture in January facilitates international dialogue and serves as a
2015, 62 ministers of agriculture agreed on platform for sharing knowledge and experiences
the importance of seizing opportunities to on sustainable and circular bioeconomy
implement bioeconomy in a sustainable and innovations, technologies, practices and policies.
circular manner. They recommended that the It also acts as an advisory body for FAO in the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Organization’s technical work on sustainable
Nations (FAO) coordinate international work on and circular bioeconomy. Other networks related
sustainable and circular bioeconomy. to bioeconomy also exist. The FAO-led ISBWG
Through the International Sustainable is unique in that it advocates for the shift to
Bioeconomy Working Group (ISBWG), a more sustainable agri-food systems through a
multistakeholder group established in 2016, sustainable and circular bioeconomy.

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 GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL

OVERVIEW OF THE PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA

P R IN C IP L E 1 P R IN C IP L E 2 P R IN C IP L E 3
SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY
DEVELOPMENT SHOULD SHOULD ENSURE THAT NATURAL SHOULD SUPPORT
SUPPORT FOOD SECURITY AND RESOURCES ARE CONSERVED, COMPETITIVE AND INCLUSIVE
NUTRITION AT ALL LEVELS PROTECTED AND ENHANCED ECONOMIC GROWTH

Criterion 1.1 Criterion 2.1 Criterion 3.1

Food security and nutrition are supported Biodiversity conservation is ensured Economic development is fostered
Criterion 1.2 Criterion 2.2 Criterion 3.2
Sustainable intensification of biomass Climate change mitigation and Inclusive economic growth is
production is promoted adaptation are pursued strengthened
Criterion 1.3 Criterion 2.3 Criterion 3.3
Adequate land rights and rights to other Water quality and quantity are Resilience of the rural and urban
natural resources are guaranteed maintained, and, as much as possible, economy is enhanced
enhanced
Criterion 1.4
Food safety, disease prevention and Criterion 2.4
human health are ensured The degradation of land, soil, forests
and marine environments is prevented,
stopped or reversed

P R IN C IP L E 6
RESPONSIBLE AND EFFECTIVE
GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS
SHOULD UNDERPIN
P R IN C IP L E 4 P R IN C IP L E 5 SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY

SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY Criterion 6.1

Policies, regulations and institutional
SHOULD MAKE COMMUNITIES SHOULD RELY ON IMPROVED
structures relevant to bioeconomy sectors
HEALTHIER, MORE SUSTAINABLE, EFFICIENCY IN THE USE OF are adequately harmonized
AND HARNESS SOCIAL AND RESOURCES AND BIOMASS
Criterion 6.2
ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE Inclusive consultation processes and
Criterion 5.1 engagement of all relevant sectors
Criterion 4.1 Resource use efficiency, waste prevention of society are adequate and based on
The sustainability of urban centres and waste reuse along the whole transparent sharing of information
is enhanced bioeconomy value chain are improved
Criterion 6.3
Criterion 4.2 Criterion 5.2 Appropriate risk assessment and
Resilience of biomass producers, Food loss and waste is minimized and, management, monitoring and
rural communities and ecosystems is when unavoidable, its biomass is reused accountability systems are put in place
developed and/or strengthened or recycled and implemented

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 ANNEX 1

P R IN C IP L E 7 P R IN C IP L E 8
SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY
SHOULD MAKE GOOD USE SHOULD USE AND PROMOTE
OF EXISTING RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE TRADE AND
KNOWLEDGE AND PROVEN MARKET PRACTICES
SOUND TECHNOLOGIES AND
GOOD PRACTICES AND, WHERE Criterion 8.1
APPROPRIATE, PROMOTE Local economies are not constrained
but rather expanded through the
RESEARCH AND INNOVATIONS trade of raw and processed biomass,
and related technologies
Criterion 7.1
Existing knowledge is adequately
valued and proven sound technologies
are fostered
Criterion 7.2
Knowledge generation and innovation
are promoted

P R IN C IP L E 9 P R IN C IP L E 10
SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY
SHOULD ADDRESS SOCIETAL SHOULD PROMOTE
NEEDS AND ENCOURAGE COOPERATION, COLLABORATION
SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND SHARING BETWEEN
INTERESTED AND CONCERNED
Criterion 9.1 STAKEHOLDERS IN ALL RELEVANT
Consumption patterns of bioeconomy DOMAINS AND AT ALL
goods match sustainable supply levels
of biomass RELEVANT LEVELS
Criterion 9.2
Demand-side and supply-side market Criterion 10.1
mechanisms and policy coherence Cooperation, collaboration and sharing
between supply and demand of food and of resources, skills and technologies are
non-food goods are enhanced enhanced when and where appropriate

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 GUIDANCE NOTE ON MONITORING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BIOECONOMY AT A COUNTRY OR MACRO-REGIONAL LEVEL

PURPOSE
bioeconomy strategies. They emphasize aspects
that need to be considered when making a
shift to a sustainable and circular bioeconomy.
Given the challenges and opportunities that The Principles and Criteria can also be used
are involved in making the transition to a in monitoring frameworks for measuring the
sustainable and circular bioeconomy, in 2016 sustainability of the bioeconomy or to monitor
the ISBWG agreed on a set of Aspirational the progress being made in making this shift. If
Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Bioeconomy sustainability is considered in the design phase
(hereafter referred to simply as the Principles of strategy development and in assessments of its
and Criteria). The Principles and Criteria cover implementation, future risks, hidden costs and
the different dimensions of sustainability and trade-offs can be avoided right from the outset,
provide a reference list of issues that should be which can eliminate the need to implement
addressed to develop bioeconomy in a sustainable corrective measures later.
and circular way at international, national The Principles and Criteria are non-binding,
and local levels. The Principles and Criteria and they should be interpreted in ways that
also provide an overview of the role that these take into account the local social, economic,
different dimensions of sustainability play in the environmental and governance context.
development and implementation of bioeconomy,
and are complementary as they encompass the
social, economic, environmental and governance
aspects of sustainability. The Principles and INTENDED USERS
Criteria aim to ensure that bioeconomy, when
implemented correctly, can benefit individual The Principles and Criteria target national and
communities and the global environment in ways international stakeholders who are involved
that are in line with the SDGs. in, benefit from, and are affected by the
Bioeconomy strategies, which are inherently development of strategies, programmes and
multisectoral, face greater challenges than action plans for promoting a sustainable and
sustainable development strategies that circular bioeconomy. These stakeholders include
target a single sector, as the implementation countries, intergovernmental and regional
of sustainable and circular bioeconomy organizations, financing institutions, research
involves making trade-offs among different organizations, business enterprises (including
sustainability objectives, on the one hand, farmers and bioproduct manufacturers), civil
and sectors, on the other. The dialogue among society organizations, consumer organizations,
international partners fostered through the and other decision makers who want to carry
ISBWG creates a greater understanding of the out bioeconomy projects or activities in a
potential synergies and trade-offs associated sustainable way.
with the implementation of sustainable Building on the Principles and Criteria, the FAO
bioeconomy, and the opportunities for Project on Sustainable and Circular Bioeconomy
sustainability and circularity. provides guidance documents and country
support to policymakers and other stakeholders
in developing and implementing sustainable

SCOPE and circular bioeconomy strategies, policies and

programmes (FAO, 2021).

The Principles and Criteria create a common

ground for discussions on sustainability and
circularity in the bioeconomy. They can be
applied by policymakers and other stakeholders
in the development of national and regional

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This guidance note describes a series of The steps are easy to follow and
general steps to establish an effective and adaptable based on social, economic
robust system to monitor the sustainability and environmental context, since they
of the bioeconomy in a given country or are based on the Aspirational Principles
macro-region. This note builds on lessons and Criteria for a Sustainable Bioeconomy,
learned from existing experiences of developed under the auspices of the
national and macro-regional bioeconomy International Sustainable Bioeconomy
monitoring systems. Learning with and Working Group.
from each other is essential for regular,
strategic international cooperation, building This note was jointly developed by the
policy coherence. The steps outlined in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
note can be grouped into three stages under United Nations (FAO) and the European
three types of framework: (i) conceptual, Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC),
(ii) implementation, and (iii) assessment under the mandate of the International
and communication. Bioeconomy Forum.

Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment

ISBN 978-92-5-135238-0 ISSN 2226-6062
[email protected]
www.fao.org/in-action/sustainable-and-circular-bioeconomy

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS 9 789251 352380

Rome, Italy CB7437EN/1/11.21