20.1 Definition of bioeconomy by Turkey
The term “bio-economy” refers to an economy that includes the sustainable production and conversion of renewable biological resources into food, feed, bio-based products, and bioenergy.
In the context of Turkey, the bio-economy encompasses various sectors (agriculture and forestry, bioenergy, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology) that utilize renewable resources like (Agricultural Crops, Forestry Products, Biomass. Aquatic Resources, Microorganisms, Natural Fibers, Bio-based Chemicals, Agricultural and Organic Waste, Renewable Energy Sources).
Turkey’s bioeconomy is characterized by the sustainable production and conversion of renewable biological resources into food, feed, bio-based products, and bioenergy. Various agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Health, promote this definition. Another aspect of Turkey’s bioeconomy is rooted in the principle of self-sufficiency for food and the utilization of biological resources to produce goods and services, including energy and medicines. Multiple agencies, such as the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, contribute to shaping this definition (Kalayci et al., 2017).
“Self-sufficiency for food” is just one of the contributing factors to the emergence of the bioeconomy. Alongside food security, the bioeconomy encompasses the production of energy, medicines, and various bio-based products using a mix of both innovative and traditional technologies and processes. The bioeconomy, with its multifaceted approach, holds the promise of delivering a wide range of environmental advantages, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating global warming, and promoting biodiversity. It represents a more sustainable alternative to the utilization of fossil fuels, with a primary focus on the creation of goods and services that are closely connected to and harmonious with natural ecosystems.In light of this, the European Commission’s (EC) identification of the bioeconomy as a byproduct of the “oil-post” era that “while supplying input to food and feed, industry and energy production, an economy using of biological resources of the sea, soil, and waste, as well as including biological form-based processes for sustainable industry” is a realistic strategy (Kalmykia et al. 2012). The strategy is focused on promoting an economy that utilizes biological resources from the sea, soil, and waste, as well as biological form-based processes for sustainable industry. The “realistic strategy” here means that the approach outlined by the European Commission is practical and achievable, considering the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to a bioeconomy. The strategy aims to support sustainability, economic growth, and the responsible use of resources.