1. Bioeconomy and its
opportunities in Colombia
Sergio Cristancho Marulanda
Vice-Minister of Knowledge, Innovation and
Productivity

2. Video 1

3. B i o d i v e r s i t y
Colombia
in
Colombia ranks second amongst the
12 most biodiverse countries in the world.
63,303 species registered in the country.
311
53% of the continental
territory is covered by forests.
ecosystems.
892,102 Km2 of marine area
44% of our territory is marine.

4. To know, value, conserve and use biodiversity in a sustainable way in order to
build the foundations of the bioeconomy in Colombia. More than USD 76 million
have been invested in the Colombia BIO program since 2015.
Outcomes:
Objectives:
37 Field scientific expeditions and
20 Strengthened Biological Collections
500.486 biodiversity records in the
Colombian Biodiversity Information System (SiB)
Mobilizing more than 1.000 researchers
206 possible new species for science
200 endemic species
(Unique to Colombia)
146 Allied national institutions
38 Allied international institutions
More than 9 million people
reached through multi-format materials

5. USD 44 trillion of global value-added corresponding to more than
half of the world’s GDP is generated in industries that depend highly (USD 13
trillion) on nature and its services (WEF, 2020).
What is the relationship between
biodiversity and the economy?
The disappearance of pollinators would have immediate knock-on effects on
75% of food crops (IPBES, 2019).
Modeling shows that a 90% reduction in pollination, provision of timber from
tropical forests, and food from marine fisheries could result in
10% lower global real GDP growth from 2021 to 2030
(USD 2.7 trillion) (World Bank, 2021).

6. What is the
”The bioeconomy is the production, utilization, conservation, and
regeneration of biological resources, including related knowledge,
science, technology, and innovation, to provide sustainable solutions
(information, products, processes, and services) within and across all
economic sectors and enable a transformation to a sustainable
economy”
The bioeconomy has a global
economic potential of USD
7.7 trillion by 2030 (World
Business Council for Sustainable
Development-WBCSD, 2020).
bioeconomy?

7. “Economy that efficiently and sustainably manages biodiversity and
biomass to generate new products, processes and services with added
value, based on knowledge and innovation”(CONPES 3934 - 2018 –
Colombia’s Green Growth Policy).
Bioeconomy in Colombia
Sector
% Participation in
sectoral GDP in Colombia
(2018)
% of bioeconomy GDP
participation in Colombia
(2018)
% Participation in sectoral
GDP in Colombia (2030)
% of bioeconomy GDP
participation in Colombia
(2030)
Agriculture and Livestock 6,24 1,56 9,81 5,39
Processed foods 3,37 0,84 4,81 2,64
Tourism 3,40 0,68 6,35 1,27
Human health 3,91 0,20 4,22 0,51
Chemicals 1,45 0,15 2,04 0,82
Total 20,49 3,43 28,85 10,7
(Biointropic, 2019)

8. Mission in Colombia
To promote the socio-economic development of the country,
from and for the regions, through the efficient and
sustainable management of biomass, biodiversity and its
ecosystem services for the generation of products and
processes with high added value through science, technology
and innovation.
By 2030, it is expected that bioeconomy will contribute to:
500
10%
2.5million
Bioeconomy
bioproducts, (120 by 2020).
new jobs.
of Colombian GDP.

9. The bioeconomy mission aims at 5 challenges
An “Intelligent
Colombia” that
understands and
sophisticates the use
of its biodiversity
Use of continental and
oceanic biodiversity
for sustainable
development
Biomass 100:
more value, zero
waste
Advanced
technologies for the
health and well-being
of Colombians
Productive and
sustainable
agriculture that
builds social fabric
Bioeconomy Mission in Colombia

10. During 2021, more than USD 82 million have been assigned in calls to
support:
Bioeconomy
R&D + innovation projects and programs.
Acceleration of Bio-business.
Spin-Off technology-based companies.
New calls are projected this year for more than USD 22 million to support:
R&D + innovation projects and programs.
Patents.
Mission in Colombia

11. Some of the supported projects, which have the participation of the private sector, academia and
research centers are aimed at the production of:
Agricultural bio-inputs for rose and avocado crops.
Bioplastics from Cassava waste.
Phytochemical with pharmacological properties..
Bioproducts from microalgae.
Medications for infectious diseases.
Bioeconomy Mission in Colombia

12. Some of our international partners for cooperation are:
Bioeconomy Mission in Colombia

13. Bio-Challenge Program XXI-15: 50: Development of bioproducts for the health, agricultural and cosmetic sectors, as
a result of the study of Colombian biodiversity. An investment of more than USD 5 million.
15 bioproducts with high added
value, from 50 species.
7 Universities.
9 International institutions.
8 Private sector institutions.
Development of therapeutic alternatives for cancer from plants through translational research and development
processes, articulated in environmentally and economically sustainable value systems.
An investment of more than USD 4 million.
5 Phyto-therapeutics on the market.
9 Universities.
8 International institutions
5 Private sector institutions.
Scientific Ecosystem

14. BIOPortfolio
Agricultural and livestock
Food and drinks
Cosmetics
Energy
Health
Applications
Level of sophistication
Patents
Contact Information
Supported by bit.ly/BIOportfolio
Sectors
Information
available at the
BIO Portfolio:

15. Circular economy projects, bioeconomy and / or
climate change management: USD 8 million
Donation for R&D activities
Benefits for investors
Tax benefits:
Special lines of credit:
Bioeconomy (R&D): USD 8 million
Tax credit for investments in R&D

16. Video 2

17. Our country’s commitment is that knowledge, science,
biodiversity and biomass converge and become
a powerful force for economic growth and social and
sustainable development