The study identifies agricultural and forestry practices that can protect biodiversity while maintaining long-term biomass productivity for the bioeconomy.
Increasing biomass production and protecting biodiversity can go hand in hand, according to a new report by the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI). The study identifies practical measures that can help agriculture and forestry systems maintain productivity while safeguarding ecosystems.
The transition towards a climate-neutral bioeconomy requires greater use of biomass as a renewable carbon source. However, expanding biomass production must also consider ecological limits. Biodiversity loss, soil degradation and unstable ecosystems can affect the long-term productivity and resilience of biomass supply systems.
The report highlights that biodiversity conservation is essential for maintaining reliable biomass production. It examines how appropriate management practices, spatial planning and long-term strategies can support both objectives.
The study was developed by RCI in collaboration with nova-Institute, the Kieler Institut für Europäische Landwirtschaftsstudien (KIELS) and Peterson Solutions. It combines a literature review with structured assessment frameworks to evaluate biodiversity benefits alongside impacts on agricultural and forestry yields, stability and resilience.
Identifying Practices That Support Biodiversity and Productivity
The study assesses a wide range of measures and their potential effects on biodiversity and biomass production.
Some practices can deliver significant biodiversity benefits but may also reduce yields. This can limit their suitability for production systems facing growing biomass demand.
The project therefore focused on identifying approaches that balance ecological benefits with productive capacity. It also examined how different measures can be combined to improve cost efficiency and deliver benefits over both short and long periods.
Examples of recommended practices include:
- Landscape diversification: Creating more diverse agricultural landscapes to support biodiversity.
- Cover crops: Using additional vegetation to support soil and ecosystem health.
- Mixed-species forestry: Growing different tree species to improve ecosystem resilience.
- Soil protection: Maintaining soil health to support long-term forest productivity.
These practices can strengthen biodiversity and protect ecosystem services that reliable biomass production depends on.
Technology Can Support Sustainable Biomass Production
The report also highlights the role of precision farming and forestry technologies. Monitoring tools and drones can help producers identify where interventions are needed and use agricultural and forestry inputs more efficiently.
Such technologies can support better management decisions while contributing to productivity and biodiversity objectives.
The study also considers how management practices affect productivity over time. Protecting soil and improving ecosystem resilience can help secure future biomass supplies.
Incentives and Policy Support Can Encourage Wider Adoption
Many bioeconomy companies, including RCI members, are already adopting biodiversity-friendly measures in their feedstock sourcing activities on a voluntary basis.
Some practices also receive financial support through European Union, national and regional programmes. According to the report, greater awareness of these opportunities and expanded incentives could encourage more producers to implement suitable measures.
The study also examines policy recommendations and existing support frameworks. It brings together research evidence, practical measures and examples of industry action to help biomass producers and companies sourcing bio-based feedstocks make informed decisions.
Second Report Examines Biodiversity in the Bioeconomy
The publication is the second part of a two-report series examining biodiversity in biomass production and the bioeconomy.
The latest report focuses on balancing biomass production with biodiversity protection. The first report examines biodiversity integration into sustainability assessments, particularly Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Read the reports:
- Balancing Biomass Production and Biodiversity Protection for the Bioeconomy
- Biodiversity in Sustainability Assessments, in Particular Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)
The findings underline the importance of integrating biodiversity considerations into biomass production strategies to support a resilient and sustainable bioeconomy.