Sharing and Promotion
Why zero-paper policy?
By Caner Anda Mellis Education, Technology, Trade Limited, Türkiye
The European Commission has consistently emphasized that going paperless is not merely a trend but a tactical move. In the overview of the “Circular Economy 1.0 and 2.0,” the EU pointed out that, for materials like paper, cardboard and packaging, the targets for reuse and recycling by 2030 are ambitious (for instance, they expect recycling and reuse of paper and board to exceed 90% or more). Also, beyond recycling, using fewer sheets means fewer trees remain standing, less water and energy are consumed in production, and fewer transport emissions are released. In summary, the zero-paper goal directly supports the EU policies on climate change, resource efficiency, and reduction of waste.
The figures are eye-opening. In 2022, each person in the EU accounted for the generation of about 186.5 kg of packaging waste and paper and cardboard accounted for about 40.8 % of that total. Moreover, the pulp and paper sector in the EU reported a production decrease of 5.9% in 2022, while CO₂ emissions of the sector has been cut in half compared to 2005, owing to modernization and efficiency gains. Together, these figures provide a powerful incentivize: it is not just nice to cut paper use, it is a means it’s a means to cut environmental impact, costs and comply with more stringent EU legislations.
Why zero-paper policy? Read More »
How can we disseminate biotechnology innovations to fight against climate change?
By Ewa Bajno, Education Agency for Development and Innovation – IDEA, Poland
Biotechnology offers practical solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, but these innovations only reach their full potential when they are widely shared and implemented. Within the Agrobiotech+ project, dissemination is strongly linked to visibility and accessibility. Events such as workshops, multiplier meetings, and pilot training create direct channels between students, academics, and industry representatives. These activities provide a platform for presenting prototypes, success stories, and career plans that highlight how biotechnology can reduce emissions, save resources, and improve sustainable farming practices. In parallel, the use of success story videos and digital handbooks ensures that knowledge is not limited to one location but can be easily transferred across regions and sectors.
At the same time, dissemination must extend beyond academia. Social media, project websites, and professional networks are powerful tools to spread biotechnology innovations to farmers, policymakers, and local communities. Collaborating with advisory services and rural organizations, as in the Agrobiotech+ partnership, ensures that messages reach those who directly shape agricultural practices. By combining modern communication channels with traditional knowledge-sharing networks, the project not only raises awareness but also inspires real-life action. In this way, biotechnology is transformed from research into practice—helping agriculture adapt to and fight against climate change at both local and European levels.
How can we disseminate biotechnology innovations to fight against climate change? Read More »
The Contributions of Biotechnology to Reducing Climate Change
By Jakub Riemel, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Czech Republic
Biotechnology plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change by providing innovative solutions that enhance sustainability across various sectors. A well-known example of its contribution is the development of genetically modified crops requiring fewer resources and a higher tolerance to environmental stress. These crops can increase food security and reduce the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with their production and application.
Another noteworthy contribution is the advancement of biofuels derived from agricultural waste and other renewable biological materials. Unlike fossil fuels, biofuels significantly decrease transportation and energy production carbon emissions. The implementation of biofuels is helping to shift communities towards more sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions, reducing our overall carbon footprint.
Moreover, biotechnology is aiding in developing carbon capture and utilization technologies. Biotechnological methods can transform captured carbon dioxide into products like bio-plastics and bio-based chemicals via microbial fermentation and enzymatic conversion. These innovations mitigate carbon emissions and promote a circular economy, where waste is efficiently repurposed into valuable materials.
Biotechnology offers tools to reduce climate change by transforming agricultural practices, providing cleaner energy sources, and advancing carbon management technologies. We can move towards a more sustainable future as we continue to harness these innovations.
The Contributions of Biotechnology to Reducing Climate Change Read More »
The Contributions of Biotechnology to Environmental Protection
By Antonio Jose Signes Pastor, University of Miguel Hernandez, Spain
Biotechnology is becoming an essential tool in addressing environmental challenges, providing innovative solutions that minimize chemical dependence and promote the efficient use of natural resources. Two clear examples demonstrate its significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and broader environmental protection.
Cutting Down Chemical Pesticides and Fertilizers: The introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops has significantly lowered the reliance on synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Varieties engineered for pest and disease resistance not only protect yields but also reduce harmful chemical runoff into soil and water systems. At the same time, biofertilizers—produced from natural raw materials—enhance soil fertility and plant resilience without the environmental damage associated with conventional fertilizers. These eco-friendly alternatives are quickly absorbed by plants, boosting their tolerance to stress while supporting organic farming practices. The development of biopesticides and biofungicides further strengthens crop protection in a sustainable way.
Optimizing Water Use and Developing Drought-Resistant Crops: With global water scarcity on the rise, biotechnology provides tools to use this vital resource more efficiently. Precision agriculture, equipped with sensors, drones, and biosystems, enables farmers to monitor crop water needs in real time and fine-tune irrigation. Advances in GM crops have also led to drought-resistant varieties capable of thriving under adverse conditions while maintaining yield and quality.
Together, these breakthroughs illustrate how biotechnology combines science and sustainability, driving agriculture toward a cleaner, greener future.
The Contributions of Biotechnology to Environmental Protection Read More »
How does biotechnology contribute to agriculture in practice?
By Miroslava Kacaniova, University of Agriculture in Nitra, Slovakia
Biotechnology plays a crucial role in modern agriculture by enabling innovations that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Genetically modified or molecularly bred crops exhibit improved tolerance to biotic stresses (pathogens, pests) and abiotic factors (drought, salinity, extreme temperatures). Such approaches reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, thereby lowering the burden on soil and aquatic ecosystems. In parallel, the use of biological preparations based on plant essential oils, antagonistic microorganisms, or natural metabolites is expanding as an alternative to synthetic agrochemicals.
An important contribution of biotechnology also lies in the application of microbial inoculants, particularly nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, or rhizosphere-associated probiotic strains. These bioinoculants improve the biological availability of nutrients, stimulate plant growth, and enhance the stability of agroecosystems. As a result, the consumption of synthetic fertilizers is reduced, along with greenhouse gas emissions associated with their production and application. The implementation of such solutions in agricultural practice therefore represents a key step toward sustainable, environmentally friendly, and climate-resilient farming.
How does biotechnology contribute to agriculture in practice? Read More »
Articles
Why circular bioeconomy matters?
Why circular bioeconomy matters? (2 paragraphs at most) or Polluted regions across Europe and all over the world are looking for circular biobased solutions that....
How does biotechnology contribute to agriculture in practice?
Biotechnology plays a crucial role in modern agriculture by enabling innovations that enhance productivity while minimizing...
Contributions of Biotechnology to the Environmental Protection
Biotechnology is becoming an essential tool in addressing environmental challenges, providing innovative solutions that...
Contributions of Biotechnology to Reducing Climate Change
Biotechnology plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change by providing innovative solutions that enhance sustainability across...
How can we disseminate biotechnology innovations to fight against climate change?
Biotechnology offers practical solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, but these innovations only reach their full potential when...
Why Zero-Paper Policy?
The European Commission has consistently emphasized that going paperless is not merely a trend but...
Why circular bioeconomy matters?
By Monica Dragoromirescu, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara
Polluted regions across Europe and all over the world are looking for circular biobased solutions that use local resources to improve qualities of the soil affected by chemical and fossil energy industries (metallurgy, mining, coal powered power plants) which currently have ceased activities, negatively affecting social life and local economies. By implementing circular bio-based solutions that harness local resources, these regions can be transformed into hubs of sustainable growth. Restoring soil health will not only revive ecosystems but also unlock new forms of economic activity, making these areas more attractive to live in, healthier for future generations, and better positioned to retain and attract talent.
These regions can be economically developed, more attractive for living and as life standards, healthier in general, if circular biobased solutions will be implemented starting from each household, continuing with local administration and to the whole economy in the general transition to bio-based and science-based circular economy.
It can be noticed that the sustainable management of bioresources in a circular bioeconomy brings multiple advantages to local communities and individuals by improving health, creating jobs, increasing incomes, diversifying the economy and reducing costs associated with resource and waste management.
Why circular bioeconomy matters? Read More »