Series of regional bioeconomy forums started in Central Ostrobothnia
The series of regional bioeconomy forums organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment started in Central Ostrobothnia on 30 September 2020. The forums are open to all, and they are part of the ongoing process to update the Biodiversity Strategy.
One of the key topics raised in Central Ostrobothnia was the strong role of the region as an expert on renewable natural resources. The strengths of the region e.g. in the peat and agriculture sectors offer opportunities to utilise the existing technologies even more broadly. The participants of the webinar in Central Ostrobothnia listed biogas production from animal manure, use of wood ash in peatland forest management, climate-sustainable agriculture, and expertise related to the different ingredients obtained from biomass as particular strengths that should be promoted. The participants considered it important to develop the value chains of bioeconomy products by supporting the creation of markets for these products and through digitalisation.
The topics of the presentations on the strengths of the Central Ostrobothnia region were locally-based nutrient recycling, creative and sustainable livestock production, carbon-smart peatland forest management, and applied chemistry research in the value chain of biorefining.
In the discussions the participants stressed the strong role of the region as an expert on renewable natural resources. The modern expertise of the region in e.g. agriculture and use of peatlands offers opportunities to use the existing technologies even more broadly. Animal manure is a valuable substance that should be utilised more, both as biogas and for strengthening our nutrient self-sufficiency.
The participants of the webinar in Central Ostrobothnia listed the use of wood ash in peatland forest management, climate-sustainable agriculture and expertise related to the different ingredients of biomass as particular strengths that should be promoted. The region is also an important centre of expertise in the field of chemistry.
Measures proposed to strengthen the bioeconomy in Central Ostrobothnia included more efficient utilisation of nutrient cycles, digitalisation in value chains related to biomasses, improving the optical fibre connections, and university-level education on the bioeconomy. Use this link to view the slides presented at the event (in Finnish).
Bioeconomy forums in autumn 2020
The objective of the updated Bioeconomy Strategy is that the Finnish bioeconomy will create new products and services that drive economic growth and employment while promoting the transition to a carbon neutral society. Another aim is to promote the circular economy as part of the bioeconomy. The bioeconomy forums are hoped to bring forth the views of different stakeholders on the potential success factors associated with the bioeconomy from the perspective of the regions and how we could boost their development.
The next forum for stakeholders from the South Savo region was held on 6 October. Use this link to view the programme of the event (in Finnish). Later in the autumn there will be similar events for North Karelia, Central Finland, Lapland and Southwest Finland. A joint event will be organised for stakeholders in the Päijät-Häme and South Karelia regions.
Press release 22 September 2020: Regional biodiversity forums support the process to update the Biodiversity Strategy
Press release 1 September 2020: Updated Finnish Bioeconomy Strategy aims to promote sustainable growth and climate objectives
Inquiries:
Liisa Saarenmaa, Deputy Director General, tel. +358 40 7523 271, liisa.saarenmaa(at)mmm.fi
Kukka-Maaria Virta, Communications Specialist, tel. +358 50 4722 283, kukka-maaria.virta(at)mmm.fi
