Forest-Based Bio Economy in Newfoundland
About
As a new and innovative paradigm in the forest sector, bioeconomy development offers an opportunity to attract, and therefore increase, the participation of underrepresented groups in the forest sector. Currently, women represent only six per cent of employment in the forest sector in NL, and other groups such as Indigenous Peoples and youth represent even lower percentages (Data source: NLFIA Survey, 2018). The new bioeconomy will require new skills to reach its full economic potential with increased demand for employment among those underrepresented groups, particularly in rural areas of the province. Training will be required to ensure the right skill sets are available for industrial partners and one output from this project will be new programs to enhance bioeconomy skills.
Primary Research Question
What opportunities exist for forest-based bioeconomy in NL? How can we prepare the forest sector in NL for opportunities in bioeconomy development?
Who
Research led by NL Forest Industry Association (NLFIA)
Where
Research to be conducted at locations in Corner Brook, Hampden, Summerford, Bloomfield
When
March 2019 – December 2022 *This research project is completed.
Research Project Deliverables
A paradigm shift towards new economies (‘green’, ‘digital’, and ‘blue’) aimed at sustainability and innovation is rapidly underway. Within the framework of the green economy, the circular bioeconomy represents a catalyst for systemic change, offering a means to address many of the economic, social and environmental challenges faced by society.
In its 2020 bioeconomy pathway report the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association (NLFIA), provided a review of the ‘bioeconomy’, discussed the increasing demand for renewable, bio-based raw materials and explored how underrepresented groups can be identified and recruited as the talent pool to drive the new sector. The report also reviewed regional and global trends in the development of the forest-based bioeconomy as a means of meeting sustainability goals. As a follow up to the pathway report, the current project specifically addresses how the Newfoundland forest industry is forging a path to clean, green growth through development of a ‘circular bioeconomy’.
Click here to read the Forest-based Circular Bioeconomy in Newfoundland and Labrador Final Report
This slide deck was presented at a Stakeholder Briefing on February 28, 2023.
This video was presented at the NL Workforce Innovators Roundtable 2021 on October 5.