The bio-based economy idea emerges from societal concerns and expectations for sustainable sourcing, to curb the use of fossil-based and non-renewable materials and reduce environmental impacts. This agenda will require a substantial growth and carefully planned development of the planted forests, through an integrated approach where a diversity of planted forests systems is properly planned into the landscape, and whereby forest and farm communities can deliver a diversity of products, for a diversity of modern and traditional uses and reuses. This will require planted forests to fully embrace the social and environmental dimensions that, if not addressed, could drive negative perceptions of plantations by local populations and global consumers. 

The presentation will address key questions, such as : how can commercialization best bring socioeconomic benefits back to local communities that can become central agents of the bioeconomy? Where to plant what, and which tools and approaches for that? How to ensure legitimacy and inclusive and evidence-based decision in developing plantations into landscapes? What potential for agroforestry systems, trees on farms, and well-designed diverse tree species planted forests that can provide diverse uses, ecosystem services and habitats connectivity for wildlife populations?

It will propose key elements for a coordinated approach between developing bioeconomy and planted forests, through policies and incentives, market and product regulations, value chains coordination, innovations, and capacitation, including of local actors, and consideration of environmental and social factors. If well managed, the successful integration of planted forests into the bioeconomy can be one key example on how to synergize economic development with environmental stewardship.