UNEP Bioenergy Issue Paper Series 

Bringing emerging bioenergy topics into the spotlight

As bioenergy policies are increasingly being adopted by governments, it is important for decision makers to have the most up to date information on the science and debate surrounding modern bioenergy. UNEP is responding to this need by hosting a series of issue papers designed to provide an overview of these critical emerging topics, and outline options towards sustainable production and use of bioenergy.

No.1: The first in the issue paper series will take a look at land use, land use change and bioenergy. The paper was inspired by discussions from 2nd Joint International Workshop on Bioenergy, Biodiversity Mapping and Degraded Lands, for which the workshop report can be found here.

No.2: The second issue paper reviews the critical nexus between bioenergy and water, flagging the key issues in regard to water use and efficiency in bioenergy systems, water quality and impacts, and research gaps.

No.3: This paper focuses on the many potentially invasive plant species currently being developed or considered for biofuels for their possible efficiency gains, drawing attention to the serious harm they could cause to the environment, local livelihoods and economies.

No.4: The fourth issue paper discusses the importance of stakeholder engagement in bioenergy planning and describes various approaches for inclusive communication and decision-making on both a policy level and on the project level.

No.5: The fifth paper looks at the opportunities that come with group certification for smallholders in bioenergy markets.
 

 
Principal Issues
Energy Security & Bioenergy Potential
GHG Balance
Biodiversity
Water, Soil & Air
Rural Development
& Job creation
Food Security
Policies, Markets
& other Tools
Traditional use of Biomass
Modern Bioenergy or Biofuels
Technologies



Issue paper No. 1: Land use, Land Use Change, and Bioenergy



Issue paper No. 2:
Water


Issue paper No. 3:

Invasive Species



Issue paper No. 4:
Stakeholder Engagement



Issue paper No. 5:

Group Certification