PERSPECTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FOREST-BASED BIOECONOMY FOR INCREASING SUSTAINABILITY IN BULGARIA

The bioeconomy is aimed at achieving important goals aimed at ensuring food security, sustainable management of natural resources, reducing dependence on non-renewable resources, mitigating and adapting to climate change. In recent years, the potential of the forest-based bioeconomy to ensure competitiveness, diversification and sustainability of the economy has been increasing. The forest-based bioeconomy is influenced by the availability of biomass, quality labour force, employment and the structure of the economy, innovation uptake, etc. The study examines the potential of the forest-based sector for the development of the bioeconomy in Bulgaria, in the context of the European Forestry Strategy and the state of the forestry sector in the country. Emphasis is placed on the contribution of forests to the circular economy, including the improvement of forest-based bioproduction, the use of timber in construction and furnishing, and the supply of non-timber forest products. Conceptual options for unlocking the potential of the bioeconomy through the creation of innovative wood-based products, enhancing the resilience of the forest bioeconomy and climate adaptation and mitigation are explored.