Unlocking the Potential of the Bioeconomy: Lessons and experiences from Colombia’s journey

Location :
Online
Cover Photo

On 27 November 2025 (14:00-15:30 CET), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in partnership with the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP), will host a webinar to launch Unlocking the Potential of the Bioeconomy: Lessons and experiences from Colombia’s journey.

Colombia is rapidly emerging as a regional leader in sustainable bioeconomy development, linking biodiversity conservation with innovation, inclusive growth and green competitiveness. Through its National Bioeconomy Strategy and initiatives such as MAPBIO, the Bioeconomy Open Innovation Challenges and the Bioeconomy Working Group, the country has created strong conditions for new markets, increased financing and empowered local actors. 

The event will capture insights from the report, showcasing best practices, policy innovations, success stories and remaining challenges that can guide other biodiversity-rich countries pursuing bioeconomic transformation.

Spanish–English interpretation will be available.

Objectives

  • Share lessons and results from the experience of the bioeconomy in Colombia

  • Highlight the role of international cooperation, in particular with the UK Embassy in Colombia, in supporting green and inclusive economic transitions

  • Give a voice to the beneficiaries of the MAPSIO programme, showing tangible impacts on local communities and companies 

  • Strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration to scale the bioeconomy in Colombia and beyond

Target audience
  • Public policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders engaged in bioeconomy development
 
Agenda 

Opening remarks 

  • Jairo Orlando Homez, Head, Green Business Office, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia (TBC)

    • Tatiana Escovar, Andean Representative, GGGI

Presentation of bioeconomy flagship publication

  • Cristian Rivera, Senior Circular Bioeconomy Officer, GGGI 

Testimony from MAPBIO programme beneficiaries 

  • Marta Gómez, Director of Liaison, Agrosavia 

Panel: Reflections on opportunities, challenges and paths for the bioeconomy in the region

  • Arturo Luna, Head of Science, Technology and Innovation, UK Embassy

    • Mabel Torres, Founder of Selvaceutica 

    • Beatriz Acevedo, Professional Green and Sustainable Business Office, MADS (TBC)

    • Maritza López, Manager, Ecohome

Moderated by: Juan Pablo Bustamante, Colombia GGGI Program Manager

Q&A session 

  • Cristian Rivera, Senior Circular Bioeconomy Officer, GGGI 

Concluding remarks

                  

  • Arturo Luna, Head of Science, Technology and Innovation, UK Embassy

Country :
Colombia
Tags :
biodiversity
Bioeconomy
international cooperation