Country and Organization Led Initiative on Sustainable Forest-based Bioeconomy Approaches - COLI

Background

There is an urgent need to scale-up innovations for climate adaptation and mitigation that promote the development of carbon-neutral economies while also generating decent employment and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. The sustainable bioeconomy represents an integrated approach that leverages biological resources to replace fossil fuel-based materials and processes, driving progress across economic sectors while balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Successful bioeconomy approaches need to have sustainability and circularity at its heart. Forest products harvested from sustainably and responsibly managed forests (including “sustainable wood”, non-wood forest products (NWFP), fibre, bioenergy, and other forest-based products and services) are increasingly recognized as a crucial element of the bioeconomy, substituting non-renewable resources integral to sectors such as construction, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. However, the capacity to sustainably manage forests for the supply of forest products to the growing bioeconomy requires the careful and complex balance of interrelated objectives related to social well-being, economic development, and environmental values.

Against this background, the Country and Organization-Led Initiative on Sustainable Forest-based Bioeconomy Approaches (COLI) is aiming to further develop the forest-based bioeconomy worldwide.
By building on scientific evidence, and on the latest developments in the sector aiming to foster the sustainable use of forest products and promote sustainable production and consumption, it also fosters the possibility to continue the global dialogue on wood solutions and other forest-based bioeconomy approaches and invites country representatives and other stakeholders to join forces. It is designed to exchange and uplift the spirit of forest-based bioeconomy cooperation within the global community.

COLI is contributing to the proposed actions of the omnibus resolution of the 19th United Nations Forum on Forests as well as the latest work programme of FAO’s Committee on Forestry. The main aim of COLI is to create a useful multilateral dialogue to foster the exchange on sustainable forest-based bioeconomy approaches by connecting as many interested actors as possible and making best use of synergies.

COLI structure and activities

The work of the Country & Organization-Led Initiative on Sustainable Forest-based Bioeconomy Approaches is organized in 3 pillars and the COLI summit as overarching main event.

COLI Infografik
Photo: BMLUK

Activities within COLI

Organisation of COLI

The Government of Austria has initiated the COLI and is currently chairing the Steering Group. Other active partner countries and organisations are invited to join and contribute to the initiative within their capacity, for example by hosting activities or events. The Steering Group of COLI consists of leading partner countries and organisations. Other interested countries or organisations wanting to be associated with COLI, have the possibility to join the initiative and be part of enlarged committee communications and meetings, contributing for example by sharing their knowledge and experiences.

Steering Partner countries and organisations (SP):

  • Australia (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry),
  • Austria (Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management),
  • Finland (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry),
  • Japan (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries),
  • Türkiye (General Directorate of Forestry),
  • FAO (Forestry Division),
  • IUFRO (Headquarters)


This initiative is envisaged to grow over time. If you are interested in joining COLI, please contact us!