The European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme this week launched its Bioeconomy Task Force as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the growth of a sustainable green economy. The initiative brings together leading players from across multiple sectors with a shared vision to address the sustainable and circular practices in the bioeconomy across Europe and beyond. Representatives from the new Task Force joined ESA at Rabobank in Utrecht to mark the official start of this important collaboration.
The bioeconomy is a dynamic and progressive field that brings together technological advancements, policy frameworks, and innovative practices to promote a sustainable future trajectory for our economy and is defined as the sustainable production, utilisation, and conservation of biological resources.
The new Task Force includes a wide range of public, private and not-for-profit organisations, with European and global remits. By working together, ESA's Bioeconomy Task Force will drive forward innovation and support for European businesses across the bioeconomy, from agriculture and forestry to waste and water resource management, textiles and pharmaceuticals, and the list continues to grow. Although this week marked the official launch of the Task Force, many initiatives are already underway with Space for Sustainable Pharma (esa.int) and Nature-based Solutions (esa.int) funding opportunities now open, Space for Sustainable Forestry (esa.int) opening in November and Space for Sustainable Textiles due in the next quarter.
Beatrice Barresi, Senior Sustainable Applications Officer at ESA, who is leading the initiative, said "We are delighted to be joined here today by so many members of our new Task Force, who share our commitment to protecting our natural environment.
We look forward to a long and important collaboration, developing and using innovative space technologies to drive forward sustainable change across multiple sectors. Thank you to Rabobank, one of our members, for hosting us today here in Utrecht."
The Bioeconomy Task Force follows on from ESA’s Maritime Sustainability Task Force which launched earlier this year, and the Energy Task Force and Smart Cities Task Forces which were initiated in 2023. These Task Forces are part of the wider ESA strategy to promote the use of space technologies to accelerate the green transition.
Task Force Members
CEPF-Confederation of European Forest Owners
COPA-COGECA
EUSTAFOR - European State Forest Association
FSC – Forest Stewardship Council
GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
IACGB – International Advisory Committee on Global Bioeconomy
ICT AGRIFOOD
PEFC – Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
RABOBANK
World Economic Forum
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