WHAT’S NEW

WEBINAR
Rethinking biodiversity-based economies for conservation and equity:
Nurturing post-growth alternatives

Date: November 10, 2025

This webinar brings together researchers from the University of Cape Town, Natural Resources Institute Finland and The University of Sydney to share the conceptual underpinnings of post-growth alternatives to the bioeconomy, North-South perspectives on barriers to transformation and pathways to change. This webinar is part of the programme: Rethinking Biodiversity-based Economies for Conservation and Equity.  

Webinar Objectives

  1. Critically examine dominant biotech growth-oriented framings of the bioeconomy

  2. Gain insights into regenerative and post-growth alternatives

  3. Understand barriers to transformation

  4. Reflect on and discuss transformative pathways to conservation and equity

Speakers

  • Prof Sabaheta Ramčilović-Suominen, Natural Resources Institute, Finland

  • Dr Sabrina Chakori, The University of Sydney, Australia

  • Dr Jessica Lavelle, University of Cape Town

  • Prof Rachel Wynberg – Moderator

WEBINAR
Reconciling Biodiversity Conservation and Equity for a Sustainable Bioeconomy: Experiences from the Brazilian Amazon

Date: October 23rd, 2025

Over the past two decades, the bioeconomy has become a key paradigm to address global challenges in health, food, energy, and climate. Under Brazil’s 2024 G20 leadership and South Africa’s 2025 presidency, there is growing attention on equity, Indigenous rights, and biodiversity conservation. The emerging concept of socio-bioeconomy expands this vision by emphasizing social inclusion, local knowledge, and community leadership. This webinar will explore strategies from the Brazilian Amazon to integrate conservation and social equity, featuring cases and discussions on building inclusive, sustainable, community-based pathways.

Webinar Topics

  1. Introduction to transitions toward a sustainable bioeconomy

  2. Experiences from Brazil in biodiversity-based economies and agriculture

  3. Testimony from a community representative

Speakers

  • Adriana Marotti de Mello, Kavita Miadaira Hamza, Maria Sylvia Macchione Saes, Elis Regina M. Feitosa – University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil

  • Zilda Cohen G dos Santos – Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), Brazil

  • Beatriz M Saes – Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), Brazil    

  • Edson Gonçalves – Foundation for Amazon Sustainability (FAS)

  • Rachel Wynberg &  Frank Matose (Discussant) – University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa

WEBINAR
Locating Access and Benefit Sharing in Bioeconomy Policies and Praxis: Perspectives from Brazil and South Africa

Date: July 29, 2025

Objectives

  1. Gain comparative insights into the development, conceptualization and implementation of ABS and other approaches to secure equity and conservation in biodiversity-based economies in Brazil and South Africa;

  2. Gain insights regarding the complexities affecting ABS policy and implementation;

  3. Discuss and find pathways to strengthen equitable benefit-sharing for economic and multispecies justice in the context of evolving science and innovation;

  4. Contribute to G20 bioeconomy debates, drawing on principles developed by Brazil during their G20 leadership on equitable benefit sharing, conservation and sustainable use, traditional knowledge, conservation, and the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities; and

  5. Foster international collaboration that addresses global challenges, leverages complementary strengths, and promotes sharing of best practices through South-South collaboration and leadership.

Speakers

  • Prof Rachel Wynberg, University of Cape Town, South Africa

  • Mr Finn Rautenbach, Afrigetics Botanicals, South Africa

  • Prof June Bam, University of Johannesburg (TBC)

  • Prof Eliane Moreira Folhes, Federal University of Pará, Brazil

  • Dr Roberto Porro, Embrapa Eastern Amazon, Brazil

  • Dr Fernanda Kaingan, Museum of Indigenous Peoples, Brazil (TBC)

Opening and closing remarks

  • Ms Natalie Feltman, CBD ABS National Focal Point, South African government (TBC)

  • Mr Henri Novion, CBD ABS National Focal Point, Brazil government

  • Prof Tim Hodges, McGill University, Canada – Moderator

2024

  • Side event at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16)
    Programme collaborators presented Rethinking Biodiversity-Based Economies for Conservation and Equity: A Bantaba on The Role and Future of ABS in Biodiversity-Based Economies during the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali (Colombia).