Introduction

Abstract

Basically, bioeconomy is nothing new. For thousands of years, mankind covered its needs for food, materials, consumer goods and energy through renewable raw materials and renewable sources. The muscle power of humans and farm animals, eventually reinforced by mechanical aids, formed the basis of their economic activity, the primary fuel of which was wood. In addition, there was wind and water for the mills, wind for the sailing ships and, above all, the rays of the sun. Almost all of the energy available on earth comes from these. Even if plants absorb only a part of it and less than 1% is used in the process of photosynthesis, solar energy generates many billions of tons of biomass in the sea and on land every year. Less than a tenth of these plants are eaten by animals, which, in turn, provide a small part of the food for carnivores and people who draw their energy from them. This energy and the heat generated by burning wood, peat and other biomass drove the economies of pre-industrial times: Until about 1780, all societies on this earth were bio-economies. But even then, humankind changed the landscape and adapted it to its needs. It created a cultural landscape that, to the furthest extent possible, no longer resembled the natural landscape as it would have developed without human intervention. Even then, humankind “overused” natural resources – with relevant consequences, such as permanent erosion and overgrazing and disasters such as famines. Even then, the use of natural resources alone did not guarantee sustainability.