Current biofuels policies and practices run the risk of undermining food security while degrading ecosystems through deforestation, agrochemical pollution, the introduction of invasive species and the use of genetically-modified feedstock. However, well-planned and managed biofuels production can conceivably contribute to a more sustainable energy future while providing opportunities for landscape management, conservation farming practices, climate change adaptation, and rural livelihoods development.
Bioenergy and biofuels: Managing the risks to opportunities
The relationships between ecosystems and bioenergy, and biofuels in particular, are complex.
On the one hand, ecosystems provide the goods (biomass feedstocks as well as enzyme digesters) and services (e.g. soil formation, climate regulation, water regulation and provision, and pollination) which underpin bioenergy. On the other hand, the production, distribution and use of bioenergy can have significant negative impacts on ecosystems and livelihoods.
Multi-sector group to address implementation barriers for more sustainable biofuels
Participants at a jointly-hosted Shell-IUCN workshop identified alignment of policy and standards and information for land-use planning as areas to overcome implementation barriers to advance the sustainability of biofuel developments. …
04 Feb 2010 | News - News story
Managing the invasive risk of biofuels – IUCN draft guidelines available for comment
IUCN is working with a number of organisations to develop a set of guidelines on minimising the risk of biological invasions that may result from biofuel developments. The project was launched because of growing concerns that a rush to develop biofuels may open the door to new invasions by introduced species. There is also increasing evidence to suggest that potential future biofuel feedstocks are "high risk" species that pose a serious threat to ecosystems and livelihoods. …
15 Jul 2009 | News - News story
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Shell starts to sell advanced biofuel
IUCN is pleased to hear that second generation biofuels is being sold at a Shell service station in Canada as part of a month-long demonstration. …
11 Jun 2009 | News - News story
IUCN brings livelihoods and landscape to IEA discussion on indirect effects of bioenergy
At a workshop on indirect effects of bioenergy, organised by a working group of the International Energy Agency, IUCN brought messages related to the social effects, including livelihoods and landscapes. …
09 Jun 2009 | News - News story
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Biofuel potential for rural development
Biofuels have the potential to contribute greatly to rural development and increase the sustainable energy options to rural communities. …
12 May 2009 | News - News story
How to stop biofuel crops becoming invasive
Experts have come up with a series of tips for biofuel producers to stop biofuel crops becoming invasive species. …
23 Apr 2009 | News - News story
Aviation industry should target efficiencies not algae
In this World Radio Switzerland interview, IUCN’s Nadine McCormick comments on claims from the 4th annual Aviation and Environment Summit in Geneva that algae is the future energy source for aviation.
…01 Apr 2009 | News - News story
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Winrock International India organizes ‘6th International Biofuels Conference’
Winrock International India (WII), a New Delhi based not-for-profit organization (also a IUCN member), organized the 6th International Biofuels Conference on March 4–5, 2009 in New Delhi. The Conference, 6th in the series, has created a niche for itself and has over the years, become a vibrant and neutral platform for stakeholders from across the world. …
16 Mar 2009 | News - News story
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Implementing Sustainable Bioenergy Production
Implementing Sustainable Bioenergy Production: A Compilation of Tools and Approaches …
15 Mar 2009 | Downloads - Publication
Time to get "smart" on US biofuels, according to IUCN US Members
Two IUCN Members, Worldwatch Institute and Sierra Club, have joined forces to launch a joint publication on Smart Choices for Biofuels. The report highlights the need for important policy reforms at this critical juncture in America's effort to increase biofuel use.
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20 Feb 2009 | News - News story
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