Biofuture Platform presents its Vision Statement in Bonn

The Biofuture Platform of countries aiming to promote sustainable bioeconomy presented their Biofuture Vision Statement in a side event to the Bonn Climate Change Conference on 16 November 2017. The statement includes goals and measures to scale up low-carbon bioeconomy.

Last year, Finland was part of the coalition to launch the Biofuture Platform at the Marrakesh Climate Change Conference. The coalition aims to promote sustainable, advanced and low-carbon bioeconomy.

Minister of the Environment, Energy and Housing Kimmo Tiilikainen represented Finland at the side event in Bonn. He thought the Vision Statement and its goals are an excellent achievement, considering the participating countries’ different national starting points.

“Globally we are about to exceed our ability to produce the necessary resources in sustainable ways. The move from fossil fuel economy to bioeconomy is absolutely necessary for a sustainable future,” says Minister Tiilikainen.

“The Vision Statement shows clearly we have a common understanding of the steps we need to take to develop our economies. Together we can head towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient society. We must combine our use of bio-based and renewable resources with circular economy and its reuse of material and energy,” Tiilikainen says.

The Vision Statement highlights the need to boost the use of sustainable bioenergy and advanced biofuels to replace fossil energy forms and fuels, even in air and maritime transport. It also encourages countries to promote innovations and investments in bioeconomy, including flexible biorefineries that can produce both energy and bio-based products. All this needs the involvement and input of governments, industry, finance and research communities.

“Finland wants to lead the development towards bio-based circular economy, according to Minister Tiilikainen.

Further information online:
Biofuture Platform: biofutureplatform.org/

Inquiries:
Vilhartti Hanhilahti, Special Adviser to the Minister of the Environment, Energy and Housing, tel. +358 40 836 4823
Hanne Siikavirta, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Employment and the Economy, tel. +358 50 396 3573
Riikka Lamminmäki, Communications Specialist, Ministry of the Environment, tel. +358 29 5250343 (in Bonn)