Tackling climate change and fostering sustainable development are two mutually reinforcing sides of the same coin. A shift to economic, environmental and social sustainability is a prerequisite for addressing climate change, while at the same time low-emission climate-resilient development is required for achieving the SDGs.
Relying only on North-South development cooperation models will not be sufficient for developing countries to achieve the bold ambitions of the Paris Agreement and the SDGs. South-South cooperation does not substitute, but complements North-South development cooperation as an important means through which developing countries can voluntarily assist each other in undertaking climate action and pursuing the achievement of the SDGs. Many countries from the Global South are rich in indigenous knowledge and traditional technologies that are crucial for adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change. There are also many new technologies for climate change adaptation and mitigation originating from developing countries, which are likely to be more suitable and cost-effective for other developing countries as they are well attuned to similar geo-climatic, cultural and/or socioeconomic conditions.
The central theme of this report is how developing countries are working together on fostering bioeconomy solutions, and how these solutions can contribute to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the achievement of the SDGs. The report highlights the importance of knowledge-sharing on technologies, practices and experiences to foster the use of bio-based solutions in developing countries. The Global South has an abundant biomass and a great variety of approaches and technologies to use biomass for low-emission energy solutions, increasing resource efficiencies in agriculture and industry, enhancing food security, generating jobs and reducing gender inequalities. However, some of these approaches or technologies only exist in one country or region and require SSC for their broader application.
The report is intended to serve as a knowledge resource to inspire, replicate and upscale SSTC in the bioeconomy by providing insights into practical and effective development solutions undertaken by Southern countries. Nine case studies from Africa, Asia and Latin America are presented as a reference source for other developing countries and for developed countries that wish to support SSC in this area through triangular cooperation. The case studies provide an illustrative overview of the ways in which SSTC initiatives on the bioeconomy are being undertaken by and in developing countries, and how these initiatives make tangible contributions to the achievement of the SDGs and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.