Bioeconomy Youth Vision

Scientists have clearly shown the impact of humanity’s actions on the ecosystems on which we depend. We are already witnessing the collapse of biodiversity, the shattering of climate records, and a significant reduction in food security, three key priorities of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. Such problems should be alarming not only for young people but for everybody. Young people are typically the ones trying to drive the transformative change that scientists are telling us we need, yet are significantly underrepresented in positions of power, reducing their ability to raise concerns. Therefore, those in influential positions have a responsibility to be courageous, think in the long term, and act in consideration of the impacts (e.g. economical, societal, environmental) that we are already beginning to face. The EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors (BYAs) were selected by the European Commission in 2022 to represent the voice of the youth within bioeconomy, at the local, national, and European levels. Knowing that bioeconomy does not stand alone, since it is indeed nested within broader economic, social, political, and scientific systems, this document aims to declare our vision on how to shape the bioeconomy concept & upcoming EU and national bioeconomy policies to align them with our shared mission of tackling climate change and protecting nature. This document addresses the bioeconomy at different levels in terms of geographic boundaries, economic models, technology relevance, educational systems, and citizen engagement, being aware of differential priorities, and the need for coordinated political action from various sides. As young people witnessing a worrying future, we ask policymakers to show courage, take a systems lens, listen to the scientists, and remember that their decisions will impact not only the distant future of all life on Earth but also the lives of most of us on earth today and all the elements that support it. Our vision for future bioeconomy policies is clustered into five main key messages as listed below. Each section is then detailed with our demands for specific topics, aiming to provide strong guidance to policymakers. 1. Involvement of Youth: From spotlight into decision-making 2. Cultivating inclusive debate: Bridging gaps in bioeconomy education 3. Rethinking economics: From infinite to post growth 4. Responsible use of bio-based resources: From exploitation to valorisation 5. Assessing the Bioeconomy: True burdens and benefits We, as EU BYAs of the European Commission, believe that bioeconomy has the potential to allow a change from the current unsustainable systems paradigm, towards a system that supports our mission of tackling climate change and protecting nature. This document has been officially presented during the Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival (Brussels, March 2024), with different satellite events throughout Europe. It was drafted by the EU BYAs and reviewed with fruitful insights by youth organisations, together with representatives from the satellite events.