2nd GBEP Bioenergy Week fosters sustainable production and use of bioenergy in Africa

GBEP organized the 2nd GBEP Bioenergy Week from 5 to 9 May 2014 in Maputo, Mozambique, as part of efforts of the GBEP Working Group on Capacity Building for Sustainable Bioenergy to facilitate cooperation and capacity building on the potential benefits of sustainable modern bioenergy. The event was a follow up to the 1st GBEP Bioenergy Week held in 2013 in Brazil in the framework of the Activity Group 3 (AG3) “"Study tour for capacity building and training" - led by Brazil – which has the core missions of organizing short courses with specific themes of sustainable production and use of bioenergy where effective policy frameworks may be discussed, taking into account the 24 indicators approved by GBEP.

This year AG3 moved to Africa, hosted by the Government of Mozambique and organized by the GBEP Secretariat with the support of the Governments of Brazil and Italy, as well as of APLA Brazil and Vale S.A. The event gathered around 120 participants from the Americas, Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe among scientists and government officials, including also representatives of the private sector, in particular from Africa, to discuss on specific sustainability themes that are of key interest for Africa. It gave the opportunity to learn from positive experiences in the sustainable production and use of bioenergy that could guide the design and implementation of bioenergy policies in the interested countries. Furthermore it provided the opportunity to continue a dialogue with the African private sector and stakeholders on ways to improve mutual cooperation towards a more sustainable production and use of bioenergy. 

The event provided a number of interesting presentations divided into different sessions from regional overviews to regulatory and policy frameworks for bioenergy, from food security and bioenergy to family farmers’ integration in the bioenergy value chain and to sustainable modern biomass energy development. The event, which was very actively participated in all sessions, culminated with two break-out groups in which participants exchanged experiences and views on how to best develop and finance a project in Africa, and on the importance of national/regional stakeholder engagement for projects in Africa.

The event highlighted how clear policies are needed in order to facilitate market creation. Economic aspects including insufficient access to funding and issues around price competitiveness with fossil fuels were also raised. Finally lack of awareness that translates into lack of opportunities for farmers was stressed. To address those challenges, the event concluded that more engagement is required at all level to establish legitimate frameworks, reach out to the financing community, extend relevant information to the communities, and valorize the biomass.

To read more about the event check the Activity Group 3 page on the GBEP website.

 

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