Bioenergy in Brazil – from traditional to modern systems - Biomass as Energy Source: Resources, Systems and Applications - page 82

synergetic exchanges between the modern segment represented by the pulp and paper industry and
the traditional segments of bioenergy has not yet been fully explored. Neither has this been fully
contemplated in policies for the forest sector. Brazil's pulp and paper industry is expanding rapidly
and is based on eucalyptus plantations. Residues from these plantations comprise a significant
amount of fuel wood that is commonly used in small industries including pizzerias, ceramics and
charcoal production. Significant amounts of eucalyptus plantations are also dedicated to charcoal
production. Technological improvements in charcoal production are on the way and may lead
to modernization of the segment. This implies higher efficiency and extraction of by-products,
often with higher value than the charcoal itself, paving the way for improved sustainability in the
metallurgical industry as a whole.
Furthermore, research and past experiences with eucalyptus and pine forest plantations provide
a strong knowledge basis for further expansion of forests. A better exploration of the synergies
between the pulp and paper industry, forest residues and bioenergywill lead to improved efficiency
and sustainability of forestry-related industries. A systems approach in policy design and close
cooperation between public and private entities will be needed together with the engagement
of the civil society to make this a successful proposition. Improvements are needed in forest
management so that the large environmental value of Brazilian forests can be properly combined
with higher economic value on a sustainable basis - this will help promote the preservation of
natural forests.
In the past decades, increasing environmental awareness has led to a number of efforts to
deal with deforestation including strong environmental laws, community projects for local man-
agement of forest resources, and increasing control of forest activities and trade. Causes and
figures on deforestation vary considerably from region to region, but Brazilian forests remain
under strong pressure. Brazil's environmental laws provide a framework to protect natural forests
and indigenous land but stronger enforcement of these laws, together with policies to promote
afforestation and reforestation activities, and higher economic value for forests are necessary to
guarantee sustainable development. Climate change mitigation efforts may help catalyze inno-
vation in forestry not only in technology, but also in management practices, helping to mobilize
the financial resources needed to enhance the sustainability of forest-based industries and the
protection of native forests.
The Brazilian experience offers important lessons to other countries particularly developing
countries aiming at orchestrating their own bioenergy transition. This is the case of many poor
countries in Africa that are fully dependent on oil imports, which in turn imply a real drain in
their economies. Their agriculture needs modernization, not least to produce more food, their
industries wait for a dynamic push of markets, and their populations need jobs, income and
electricity. Bioenergy can provide a catalytic role in mobilizing efforts to create new impulse
in national economies. Certainly, coordination of national and international efforts, if achieved,
can speed up the process of disseminating sustainable practices for bioenergy development. The
climate change agenda can be used to support these national efforts, particularly among the
poorest countries as they still depend on external financial support to pursue development goals.
The energy development of the last decades in Brazil reflects the shift from traditional to
modern bioenergy, but also the increasing integration of energy in development strategies. The
Brazilian experience shows that a lot can be realized at national level, and the modern bioenergy
transition achieved in a few decades only. Through national mobilization of multiple stakeholders,
and the capacity to define goals, catalyze industries, market forces and investments, together with
coordinated efforts on the supply and demand sides, and R&D, Brazil achieved excellent success
with the ethanol program. There is great promise when it comes to the biodiesel program and
forest sector as well. As international competition intensifies, it will be important to devise new
strategic policy frameworks to guarantee continued leadership in the ethanol segment (Souza and
Macedo, 2011). Likewise, sectorial and innovative policies will be needed in the other bioenergy
segments to fully explore their national and global benefits.
The future development of bioenergy is not given.Well-trodden unsustainable paths, established
infrastructure and economic interests, lack of political systematic and cross-sectorial support, the