A set of factors is determining a new global scenario. It is no longer just the geopolitical conditions within the framework of a multipolar world that announce a new future, but a set of mega-trends that will impact governments and their citizens; We are, without a doubt, facing the advent of a new techno-productive paradigm, which comes hand in hand with technological convergence and the biotechnological revolution. These global trends – according to various analyzes – establish new opportunities and challenges for humanity. Among the most mentioned are:

1) Demographic evolution – with growth on the part of developing countries, with large migrations and an urban, rather than rural, future.

2) The technological revolution and convergence – highlighting the role of information and communication technologies and the emergence of nanotechnology, as the basis for a new biotechnological paradigm.

3) Accelerated globalization – with greater scientific and technological interdependence – greater flows of trade and investment and the formation of new regionalisms and free trade agreements.

The different future scenarios that are configured in the face of these global trends already raise the need to discuss a regional strategy within the framework of the new Bioeconomy.

These being the main trends to be taken into account for the future, it is necessary to mention certain risks and uncertainties that remain open: inequalities within and between countries, the depletion of non-renewable resources, global warming, and financial and food crises. The need to discuss a regional strategy is raised within the framework of the new Bioeconomy, understood as the use of biomass in an innovative way to add more value locally and generate new productive opportunities in a sustainable way.

Lisa Hiwasaki

Lisa Hiwasaki is an environmental anthropologist, with experience in designing, directing and coordinating interdisciplinary research on environmental conservation, and leads the Climate Change program at the International Development Research Center (IDRC).

At the CILAC Forum, he was a member of the panel on Mechanisms of adaptation to climate change, on October 24, contributing to what was developed that day on Bioeconomy. In addition, she was interviewed by Ben Deighton, Director of SciDev.Net, in a space where she was able to give more details about the program she leads and the challenges that climate change entails.