Abstract
A
few myth exist regarding biofuel development, i.e. that (i) food crop feedstock
are always bad / Energy crops and residues are always good, (ii) simple
solutions to reconcile food and fuels are available and (iii) indirect land use
change (ILUC) risk is new, always very strong concerning biodiesel and, always low
or does not exist with second generation biofuels.
The
reality is quite different. Sustainable biofuel development is complex, multi-facetted
and context-specific. Therefore no sweeping statement is valid, and we should
embrace this complexity rather than oversimplify it. The good news is that
there is currently enough knowledge and tools to move from (i) food versus fuel
towards food and fuel and (ii) model-based ILUC policies and actions towards
low-ILUC risk practices and policies.
What
is needed is to (i) move away from myths and sweeping statements; (ii) embrace
the complexities of sustainable biofuels; and (iii) be constructive and rigorous by using
available tools to get things right through an integrated, contextualized and
evidence-based approach
FAO’s key messages on biofuel
development are:
·
The sustainability of biofuels is
context specific. Therefore its assessment must be based on reality not models
and global studies;
·
Tools and knowledge are now available to
help governments and operators reduce risks and enhance opportunities of
biofuel development;
·
Per se biofuels are neither good nor
bad. What matters is the way they are managed;
·
Biofuels should be seen as another
opportunity for responsible investment in sustainable agriculture, rural
development and bio economy.