Renewable energy sources

This report is a summary of the discussions that took place during the workshop, presenting the main outcomes both generally on bioenergy and then specifically in relation to IUCN. Full details of the discussions are available in the annexes.

There are two principles here, both reflecting the natural world. The first is that natural systems are based on cycles, for example water, nitrogen and carbon. Secondly, there is very little waste in natural systems.

In 2009, IUCN-Oceania Regional Office in partnership with SOPAC and SPC established the Pacific Resource and Environmental Economics Network (PREEN). The PREEN was established in response to a need by the small but growing group of practitioners in the Pacific for a professional body to share information and access peer support to conduct natural resource and/or environmental economics in the region.

This study examines the four options being considered by the European Commission for dealing with indirect land use change (ILUC) arising from the use of biofuels under the Renewable Energy Directive. An alternative approach is developed that would encourage producers and growers to undertake practices that mitigate ILUC. This study identifies a range of ILUC mitigation practices and recommends a market mechanism to encourage such activities through the use of a carbon credit scheme.

The Greening Blue Energy project aims to facilitate well-balanced and science-based discussions on the impacts on the marine environment from offshore renewable energy developments and as such this publication provides a synthesis of current knowledge on the potential biodiversity impacts of offshore wind energy on the marine environment. It is based on scientific evidence and experiences from offshore renewable energy development and other relevant sectors.