Towards the implementation of forest-based bioeconomy in the Basque Country

Abstract

Bioeconomy has been institutionally supported in many European regions as an opportunity to provide competitiveness and sustainability to regional economies. Here, we evaluated the potential and degree of development of forest-based bioeconomy in the Basque Country (northern Spain), paying special attention to a variety of key factors related to institutional involvement, offer and demand mechanisms, and the presence of forest biomass, that can drive the forest-based bioeconomy. Given its crucial relevance for the topic under consideration, the existing vulnerability of forest stands in the Basque Country is also discussed. Moreover, based on the information available, several recommendations for the successful development of forest-based bioeconomy in the Basque Country are included. Finally, according to the objective of this Special Issue, we briefly discuss and thank the invaluable contribution and commitment of Dr. Christian Patermann to the development of forest-based bioeconomy in the Basque Country.