The Need for Bioeconomy

This week we take a look at a global call for bioeconomy for all. In an article from the Food and Agriculture Organization out of Rome we take a look at the roles bioeconomy can have in improving access to food and addressing climate change. Utilize the discussion points provided below to guide your conversations in your classrooms and communities around the world.

FAO Calls for Global Coordination for a Bioeconomy that Leaves No One Behind

Discussion Points

• Explain bioeconomy. Imagine you meet someone on the street and you must explain to them in a couple sentences what bioeconomy is. Use the article to help you with this, but feel free to do additional research if needed.
• Give examples of bioeconomy that you see in your community and/or around the world?
• How can bioeconomy improve access to food and help address climate change? 
• There is a piece in the article that states just because bioeconomy has "bio" in it, does not mean that it is good for climate change? Explain and give an example of why this is the case.

Syrian Refugees Find Agriculture

Syrian refugees in Turkey are finding agriculture as a way to improve their lives as well as others. Below we have linked a video that explores how agriculture is being used to get refugees back on their feet and many hare how it improves their current situation, but hope to improve things if given the chance to return to Syria. You are encouraged to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the world!\

Enhanced Resilience For Syrian Refugees (5:09)

Discussion Points

• Explain the program that is being implemented to empower Syrian refugees in Turkey.
• Why do you feel this program has been so successful?
• Do you see a program like this being beneficial to implement in other areas of the world? Explain your reasoning.
• Brainstorm ways to improve this program. What can be done to take things to another level?

Sericulture in Japan

Do you know how silk is produced? It is an interesting process that most might be unaware of. Linked below is an article that explains silk production, trends the industry has seen, and what is being done to increase efficiency. We encourage you to look over the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Japan Looks to Revitalize Sericulture

Discussion Points

• Over the years what have been the trends in sericulture?
• What is being done to improve efficiency in sericulture production? What are your overall thoughts on this? Good, bad, or indifferent? Why?
• What was the most interesting piece of information you learned from this article? Explain your thoughts.
• Many challenges were mentioned in sericulture. Brainstorm and explain possible improvements that the industry could make to improve production and efficiency even more? Think outside the box. The possibilities are endless. 

Brazil: Ag Power

On our recent visit to Brazil we had the opportunity to visit the Ministry of Agriculture in Brasilia. We were able to learn about the products produced and agriculture practices in Brazil. There is no doubt that Brazil is a leader in agriculture and has great growth potential. We encourage you to look over the linked document that was shared with us in Brazil and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe!

Brazil Agriculture

Discussion Points

• As you look over the slides which slide surprised you the most and why? 
• Brazil is a major agriculture player with the opportunity to expand. Explain why this is the case.
• There is often a misconception that Brazil is destroying the environment. What is Brazil doing to protect and improve their environment? 
• Compare agriculture in Brazil to agriculture in your home country/region. Are the crops and livestock similar/different? Trade relations? Trends? Environmental laws and protection?