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Environmental and Climate Technologies
2019, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 129–146
doi: 10.2478/rtuect-2019-0084
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©2019 Indra Muizniece, Lauma Zihare, Jelena Pubule, Dagnija Blumberga.
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Circular Economy and Bioeconomy Interaction
Development as Future for Rural Regions.
Case Study of Aizkraukle Region in Latvia
Indra MUIZNIECE1
*
, Lauma ZIHARE2, Jelena PUBULE3, Dagnija BLUMBERGA4
1–4Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University,
Azenes iela 12/1, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Abstract – In order to enforce the concepts of bioeconomy and the circular economy, the use
of a bottom-up approach at the national level has been proposed: to start at the level of a
small region, encourage its development, considering its specific capacities and resources,
rather than applying generalized assumptions at a national or international level. Therefore,
this study has been carried out with an aim to develop a methodology for the assessment of
small rural areas in the context of the circular economy and bioeconomy, in order to advance
the development of these regions in an effective way, using the existing bioresources
comprehensively. The methodology is based on the identification of existing and potential
bioeconomy flows (land and its use, bioresources, human resources, employment and
business), the identification of the strengths of their interaction and compare these with the
situation at the regional and national levels in order to identify the specific region's current
situation in the bioeconomy and identify more forward-looking directions for development.
Several methods are integrated and interlinked in the methodology – indicator analysis,
correlation and regression analysis, and heat map tables. The methodology is approbated on
one case study – Aizkraukle region – a small rural region in Latvia. During the research
recommendations for the development of the circular economy and bioeconomy for the case
study have been elaborated.
Keywords – Bioeconomy indicators; bioresources; economic growth; regional economy
1. INTRODUCTION
Increasing public awareness of sustainable resource use and economic development has
made the issue of the circular economy and bioeconomy increasingly relevant [1]. This is also
directly linked to the expected shortage of non-renewable resources [2], [3], population
growth [4] and the environmental and climate challenges posed by human activity.
The circular economy and the bioeconomy are expected to address these challenges [5], [6].
The use of the bioeconomy term has become particularly common since the adoption of
Bioeconomy Strategy (Innovating for Sustainable Growth: A Bioeconomy for Europe) [7]
in 2012. However, the scope of the definition is still not strictly defined. There are different
interpretations not only in different national strategies but also in scientific literature [8].
Simply put, bioeconomy is a knowledge-based use of bioresources based on innovative
biological processes and principles to provide goods and services in a sustainable way across
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: indra.muizniece@rtu.lv
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all sectors of the economy [9]. As with bioeconomy, the circular economy also has many
definitions [10]. Essentially, the concept of a circular economy aims to preserve the value of
products, materials and resources as long as possible by returning them to the production
cycle at the end of the product life cycle, thereby reducing the amount of waste [10].
Looking directly at the sustainable use of bioresources, the concept of bioeconomy is
directly linked and overlaps with the idea of a circular economy, as it involves the use of
sustainable, knowledge-based bioresources for the production of products, including through
the use of residues and waste from the production and processing of bioresources. In the
traditional sense of the circular economy, the reuse and recycling of bio -based products are
considered to be mainly related to the biodegradation process. But nowadays, it is becoming
more and more popular to know that products made from bioresources at the end of their life,
if possible, should be returned in the cycle as raw materials for the production of new products
[11]. Therefore, for bioresources, a more accurate term would be the term circular
bioeconomy. The most important detail that separates the concepts of bioeconomy and the
circular economy is that bioeconomy’s focus is on the use o f bioresources, while the cycle of
circular economy includes the flow of all resources, providing resources for reuse and
recycling of resources.
In most cases, these issues are analysed separately, although, in accordance with the concept
of sustainability, the bioeconomy should also be circular [12]. Therefore, when considering
one or the other of these two issues, bioeconomy should be seen as part of the circular
economy and the bioeconomy, not only as a sustainable use of resources for the production
of higher added-value products, but also as a concept for ensuring industrial symbiosis and
clean, no-waste production and the use of all resource flows, including residues and waste.
In order to enforce the concept of the bioeconomy and the circular economy, the bottom-up
approach has been proposed to be applied for the national level: to start with a small region
level and to encourage its development, considering the specific capacities and resources of
that region, rather than applying generalized assumptions taken from observations at the
national or international levels.
Taking into account that the development of the bioeconomy is directly linked to the
agricultural, forestry and fishery sectors [13], it is necessary to start directly with an
assessment of these sector, of the resources available and of their current use, seen in the
context of the level of development of the region, in order to understand whether the current
development is sustainable. Consequently, if, at regional level, the aim of developing the
circular economy and the bioeconomy would be to promote not only regional and national
economic development, but firstly it would have a positive impact on the primary bioeconomy
sectors.
This study has been carried out with the aim to develop a methodology for the assessment
of small rural areas in the context of the circular economy and the bioeconomy, in order to
advance the development of these regions in an effective way, using the existing bioresources
comprehensively. The methodology is based on the identification of existing and potential
bioeconomy flows (land and its use, bioresources, human resources, employment and
business), the identification of the strengths of their interaction and comparison with the
situation at regional and national level in order to identify the studied region’s current place
in the bioeconomy and to also identify the more forward-looking directions for the region’s
development. Several methods are integrated and interlinked in the methodology – indicator
analysis, correlation and regression analysis and heat map table.
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The methodology is approbated on one case study – Aizkraukle region – a small rural region
in Latvia. During the research, recommendations for the development of the circular economy
and bioeconomy for the case study have been elaborated.
2. METHODOLOGY
In order to achieve the goal of the research, three main research topics were identified,
which will be addressed with the developed methodology:
− Are the bioresources available in the region and are they fully exploited for economic
development?
− Which bioresources available in the region are currently under-exploited?
− How to make more effective use of the bioresources available in the region in the
context of the circular economy and bioeconomy to promote economic development?
In order to find answers to these questions and to achieve the objective of the study,
a methodology algorithm (Fig. 1), was divided into five main phases:
1. Data collection;
2. Data analysis;
3. Determination of bioresources;
4. Assessment of the sustainable use of bioresources;
5. Development of recommendations.
Essentially, the first half of the algorithm is focused on identifying and analysing the current
situation, and the second half on evaluating prospects, looking for opportunities and a
practical solution for promoting the sustainable use of bioresources.
The first two phases are the collection and analysis of publicly available data using several
data analysis methods. In this case, indicator analysis, correlation and regression analysis and
heat map tables are used. For better understanding and analysis of data and results, heat map
tables have been used, which, with the help of colour, can show trends in a visually
perceptible manner and mutually compare values. Looking at the potential of bioresources in
the context of the circular economy and bioeconomy, attention should be paid not only to
statistics on the volume of existing bioresources, but also to factors that directly and indirectly
affect them (Fig. 2).
The two most important factors are the use of available land (for what purpose existing land
resources are used) and the human resources that manage these land resources. The interaction
of these two factors most directly affects the volume and types of bioresources produced,
employment and business development and trends. While, the volumes and types of
bioresources, have a mutual impact on the volume and assortment of produced products. As a
result, it has impact also on the amount and type of waste generated. Therefore, in this study,
the available bioresources are also considered in relation to entrepreneurship, employment and
the level of territorial development. These three factors are also important in assessing the
potential for bioeconomy development, which pertains to labour availability, competition and
efficiency in the use of resources.
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Fig. 1. Methodological algorithm.
Fig. 2. Use of bioresources in the context of a circular economy and bioeconomy.
At the beginning of the third phase of the algorithm (3.1), the results obtained are used to
determine which bioresources are the most accessible, and in the following (3.2), the previous
results were used to search for bioresource flows that are not traditionally considered valuable
and are currently not being fully utilized, and ways to increase the amount and diversity of
bioresources produced. Most bioresources, including those considered to be residues or waste,
can become a valuable raw material in the production of new products.
At the fourth stage of the algorithm, an assessment of the sustainable use of bioresources is
carried out, taking into account not only the principles of a circular economy and bioeconomy,
but also the principles of cascading, industrial symbiosis, zero-waste production and
biorefinery, although there are issues that overlap among all these principles. Considering the
Bioeconomic and circular economy development
Land use
Human resources
Bioresources
Employment
Business
Products
Residues and waste Macroeconomic
development
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analysis of the current situation and the unused potential of bioresources, schemes for the use
of biological resources in a given area, including both traditional uses and innovative
solutions to produce high added-value products are developed in the fourth phase of the
algorithm. These schemes allow one to identify the possibilities of industrial symbiosis that
are adaptable to different resources. Schemes for the use of bioresources are not based on
specific companies and their activities but serve as examples and a source of information on
how it would be possible to develop the economy in a given area through the available
bioresources and capabilities.
In the final – fifth phase of the methodology, recommendations to strengthen capacity for
the successful use and management of bioresources in line with the basic principles of the
circular economy for small rural areas are developed.
Indicator analysis was used for the assessment of the current situation, and a graphical
representation of the data with heat map tables was used to visualize the results. For the
analysis of the current situation, five groups of regional level indicators were used, divided
into two parts – direct indicators characterizing the bioeconomy (land use, bioresources) and
indirect indicators characterizing the bioeconomy (human resources, employment,
entrepreneurship and level of development) (Table 1).
The chosen indicators characterize the current situation of the use of bioresources in the
region. They also describe the perspective for bioeconomy development – the available
human and labour resources, the current business situation in bioeconomy sectors, which also
characterizes competition, and the level of development that shows the efficiency of the
existing economy.
A small rural region in Latvia, consisting of a former territory of Aizkraukle district, which
consists of 7 municipalities: Aizkraukle, Plavinas, Koknese, Jaunjelgava, Nereta, Vecumnieki
and Skriveri (Fig. 3), with a total area of 44 478 ha (4.8 % of territory of Latvia [14]) has
been selected for the approbation of the developed methodology.
Vecumnieki mun.
Nereta mun.
Jaunjelgava mun.
Plavinas mun.
Koknese mun.
Aizkraukle mun.
Skriveri mun.
Fig. 3. Territory of the case study in Latvia.
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Publicly available and reliable statistics on land use distribution [14], wood resources [15],
livestock production [16], crop production [17], declared crop in agriculture, unemployment
[18], entrepreneurship [19], human resources [20] and development [21] were used to analyse
the current situation. The latest available data (mostly for 2017 and 2018) were used at the
time of the study.
TABLE 1. REGIONAL LEVEL INDICATORS INCLUDED IN THE METHODOLOGY
Indicator group
Indicator
Unit
Direct indicators characterizing the bioeconomy
Land use
Share of land use in the area
Average size of land unit
Unused agricultural land
%
ha
%
Bioresources
Share of crop area at regional level
Share of regional crop areas at national level
Number of animals (by species) at regional level
Number of animals (by species) at national level
Number of animals (by species) per 1 ha of agricultural land
Difference with average number of animals (by species) per 1 ha of farmland*
Average number of animals in the holding
Difference with average number of animals in the holding*
Share of areas of dominant tree species at regional level
National size of areas of dominant tree species
Regional share of the stock of dominant tree species
National share of the stock of dominant tree species
Wood stocking of ruling tree species per 1 ha
Difference with average governing wood stocks of tree species per 1 ha in the
country*
Felling age stock of the dominant tree species without felling restrictions on
1 ha
Difference with average felling age wood stock of dominant tree species
without felling limits of 1 ha in the country*
%
%
%
%
number/ha
%
number/holdings
%
%
%
%
%
m3/ha
%
m3/ha
%
Indirect indicators characterizing the bioeconomy
Human resources
Share of population at national level*
Land area per capita
Difference with average land area per capita in the country*
%
ha/population
%
Employment
Number of unemployed per 1000 inhabitants
Difference with the average number of unemployed per 1000 inhabitants in the
country*
Share of unemployed at national level*
Land area per 1 unemployed
unemployed
%
%
ha
Business
Share of primary bioeconomy (agriculture, forestry, fisheries) active enterprises
in the region
Number of active agricultural enterprises per 1000 ha of agricultural land
Number of active forestry enterprises per 1000 ha of forest land
%
companies
companies
Development
level
Development level index
Development level index difference with average in country
%
*The index is evaluated only to understand the regional situation in the region.
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3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Based on the developed methodology for the assessment of small rural regions in the
context of the circular economy and bioeconomy, in order to be able to effectively drive the
development of these regions through the full use of existing bioresources, the approbation
of Aizkraukle region in Latvia was carried out.
3.1. Analysis of Existing Situation
The analysis of the current situation focused on the analysis of primary bioresources and
their acquisition opportunities related to the availability of land resources. Since the fisheries
sector is not developed in the explored region, only the agricultural and forestry sectors were
used in the analysis of the current situation. The results of the indicator analysis on land use
in the Aizkraukle region (heat map Table 2) show that most municipalities in the studied
region are strongly dominated by the share of forest lands and only then agricultural land.
TABLE 2. BIOECONOMY INDICATOR ANALYSIS FOR AIZKRAUKLE REGION. LAND USE
Indicators
Aizkraukle mun.
Pļavinas mun.
Koknese mun.
Jaunjelgava mun.
Nereta mun.
Skriveri mun.
Vecumnieki mun.
In the region
Regional share at
national level, %
In the region, compared
to the average in the
country, %
Share of land use in the area, %
Agricultural land
33
31
37
23
27
47
33
33
4.1
–
Forest land
33
54
48
64
63
41
55
51
5.7
–
Bushes
1.1
1.9
1.5
1.6
1.7
1
1.9
1.5
5.0
–
Bog
9.6
1.3
2.8
1.9
1.1
0
1.6
2.6
2.6
–
Water bodies
8.6
4.8
4.3
3.9
2.4
3.4
2.4
4.3
4.4
–
Average size of the
unit of land, ha
3.8
7.6
7.9
10.3
14.2
5
10.2
8.4
–
31
Unused agricultural
land, %
6.1
20.9
7.6
16.4
16.9
5.8
17.9
13.1
4.1
–
The share of forest land and agricultural land is equally high in Aizkraukle municipality,
which, compared to other municipalities, has a high proportion of bogs (9.6 %). This means
that the research area has greater perspective for the development of a forest-based
bioeconomy and it is worth to pay increased attention to bog resources.
In order to assess the fragmentation of the exploration area, the average size of the unit of
land was determined for each municipality of 3.8–14.2 ha, an average of 8.4 ha, which is
31 % higher than the average size of the unit of land on a national scale. Considering that it
is technically easier and more economically efficient to manage larger land units; this is
a positive indicator for the exploration region. As regards the identification of the potential
of unused bioresources, the share of unused agricultural land was identified, which varies
greatly between the municipalities, from 6.1 % in the Aizkraukle to 20.9 % in Plavinu
municipalities. This shows that there is a marked difference between the effectiveness of the
use of bioresources and the development of agriculture between small rural areas.
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The share of prevailing crops in each municipality was analysed. Permanent grasslands
were found to be the most common (on average 24 % in the region). In general, crop
production and vegetable cultivation are not particularly developed in the explored area and
do not play an important role. The statistical data show not only that there are enough crops
whose cultivation in the area of the Aizkraukle District Partnership is underdeveloped, but
also that there is ample scope to diversify the existing assortment.
Three main indicators were used to analyse livestock data – the proportion of animals
showing which animals dominate in the areas of the research region, the number of animals
per hectare of agricultural land that characterize the density of farm animals, and the average
number of animals in a holding that show area-specific large farms or small backyard farms.
The research area is characterized by cattle rearing, which is also relatively important at the
national level.
Bioresources in forestry in the research area are assessed with four indicators: proportion
of areas of dominant tree species, proportion of dominant tree species stock, wood stock and
area of dominant tree species. In the Aizkraukle region the most common tree species are
birch (31 %) and pine (29 %), but wood is the largest stock pine (36 %) and birch (27 %). At
the national level, however, the research area is more relevant to tree species such as black
alder and white alder.
However, the availability of wood resources is best characterised by the availability of
wood stocks that are available for logging and the harvesting age stock of dominant tree
species without felling restrictions. Felling age wood stock with no felling limits of 1 ha is
the largest available for aspen (368.62 m3/ha), spruce (363.62 m3/ha) and pine (363.62 m3/ha).
Compared to the national average, the survey region is significantly higher (by 11.9 %) in
terms of felling age without cutting restrictions on the stocks of black alder. By comparing
the municipalities, it can be concluded that the largest wood stocks of felling age per 1 ha are
in the Skriveri municipality.
The indirect indicators affecting the bioeconomy were also assessed separately and it was
concluded that there were significant differences between the municipalities.
Human resources are most available in the municipalities of Aizkraukle and Vecumnieki,
while the largest area per capita is available in the municipality of Nereta (18.69 ha), which
is 4.6 times more than the average in the country. But the smallest area of land per capita is
available in the Aizkraukle municipality. Free labour force or unemployed people who could
be employed in the implementation of new bioresource management solutions are most
available in the Aizkraukle municipalities, while the largest number of unemployed people
per 1000 inhabitants in the municipality is in the Jaunjelgava municipality.
The largest proportion of active enterprises in the primary bioeconomy sectors in the region
is in the Nereta municipality, but the smallest in the Aizkraukle municipality, despite the
largest number of active agricultural and forestry companies per 1000 ha of agriculture land.
This shows that there is a more developed business in the Aizkraukle region compared to
other regions of the explored region, but it is not primarily focused on the primary sectors of
the bioeconomy. For all regions of the explored region, the development rate index is negative
and for only 3 municipalities (Aizkraukle, Vecumnieki and Koknese) it is higher than the
average development rate in the country.
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TABLE 3. CASE STUDY FOR AIZKRAUKLE REGION. R2 FOR INDIRECT BIOECONOMY INDICATORS
Unused agricultural land %
Area of land per capita
Number of unemployed per
1000 inhabitants
Land area per 1 unemployed,
ha
Share of primary
bioeconomy active
enterprises in the region, %
Number of active agricultural
enterprises per 1000 ha of
agricultural land
Number of active forestry
enterprises per 1000 ha of
forest land
Development level index
Share of agricultural land, %
Share of forest land, %
Unused agricultural
land, %
1
Land area per
capita
0.456
1
Number of
unemployed per
1000 inhabitants
0.001
0.050
1
Land area per 1
unemployed, ha
0.512
0.770
0.057
1
Share of primary
bioeconomy active
enterprises in the
region, %
0.288
0.917
0.058
0.718
1
Number of active
agricultural
enterprises per
1000 ha of
agricultural land
0.624
0.496
0.059
0.562
0.351
1
Number of active
forestry enterprises
per 1000 ha of
forest land
0.292
0.373
0.064
0.394
0.309
0.869
1
Development level
index
0.406
0.581
0.288
0.197
0.363
0.360
0.239
1
Share of
agricultural land, %
0.450
0.456
0.319
0.247
0.434
0.072
0.001
0.374
1
Share of forest
land, %
0.645
0.855
0.035
0.671
0.772
0.708
0.538
0.570
0.478
1
For a more complete assessment of the indirect bioeconomy indicators and for the search
for related factors, a correlation and regression analysis were carried out. A summary of the
values of the correlation factor squares for linear regression equations is shown in Table 3.
Some of these results are legislative and logical, such as the number of active forestry
companies per 1000 ha of forest land, depending on the number of active agricultural
companies per 1000 ha of agricultural land (R2 = 0.869).
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Fig. 4. Share of primary bioeconomy active enterprises in the region (%), depending on land area (ha) per capita.
The strongest correlation (R2 = 0.924) is registered between the proportion of primary
bioeconomy active enterprises in the region and the area of land per capita (Fig. 4). From this
correlation follows, that if area of land per capita is larger (lower population density), then
the number of primary companies in the bioeconomy sectors compared to companies in other
sectors is higher.
Fig. 5. Land area per 1 unemployed, depending on land area (ha) per capita.
Aizkraukle mun.
Plavinas mun.
Koknese mun.
Jaunjelgava mun.
Nereta mun.
Skriveri mun.
Vecumnieki mun.
y= −0.0313x2+ 2.6007x+ 5.4105
R² = 0.924
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Share of primary bioeconomy active enterprises
in the region, %
Land area per capita, ha
Aizkraukle mun.
Plavinas mun.
Koknese mun.
Jaunjelgava mun.
Nereta mun.
Skriveri mun.
Vecumnieki mun.
y= −5e–05x2+ 0.0562x−1.6906
R² = 0.811
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Land area per 1 unemployed, ha
Land area per capita, ha
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This means that the larger the area available for management, the more likely the primary
sectors of the bioeconomy will develop. In the case of the Aizkraukle municipality, it is
mainly forestry, since the proportion of primary bioeconomy active enterprises in the region
is noticeably correlated with the share of forest land (R2 = 0.772), while the share of
agricultural land R2 is only 0.434.
A close relationship (R2 = 0.811) is observed for land area per 1 unemployed, depending on
land area per capita (Fig. 5). There is no link between the indicators for land area per
1 unemployed and unemployed per 1000 inhabitants (R2 = 0.057). This means that
employment does not depend on population density (competition for job opportunities).
There is a close relationship between the number of forestry and agricultural enterprises per
1000 ha and the share of forest land in the area, but this is not the case depending on the share
of agricultural land. This is logical in terms of the number of farms per 1000 ha agriculture
land for the share of forest land (the more forest lands, the fewer agricultural companies
managing agricultural land), but it is not logical for the number of forestry companies per
1000 ha of forest land, depending on the share of forest land. In this case, the higher the share
of forest land, the smaller the number of forestry companies.
The results of the correlation regression analysis did not demonstrate several assumptions.
For example, the results showed that there was no relationship between the number of
unemployed people per 1000 inhabitants with other indicators related to business, the level
of development and the availability of the environment needed to produce bioresources.
This proves that the level of employment is affected by other factors not described here.
It is clear from this phase of the reinforcement of the methodology that the results of the
indicator analysis for other regions of research would certainly be different. This approach
can therefore also be used for regional comparison.
3.2. Unused Bioresource Potential
Although the Table 4 summary does not cover all unused bioresources and the potential of
their harvesting sites, it is nevertheless apparent how much diversity there is and what the
estimated volumes are in the area of exploration. These bioresources can be used to produce
products at all levels, ranging from lower added-value products for the energy sector to high
added-value products for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and the chemical industry. At the same
time, these results demonstrate the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the use of available
resources and confirm the assumption that residues and waste are not primarily perceived and
used as resources.
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TABLE 4. CASE STUDY FOR AIZKRAUKLE REGION. UNUSED POTENTIAL
Source
Unused potential, estimated volumes in
the Aizkraukle region
Remarks
Unused
agricultural land
13 810 ha (~13.1 % from total agricultural
land in region)
Unused agricultural areas in the region in 2018
[22]
Former peat
mining areas
1 216 ha with licensed peat extraction
deposits [23]–[25]
Peat is not considered as a bioresource, but the
former peat mining areas are treated as an
additional place to produce bioresources
Biomass
residues and
waste from
recycling
79 500 t/a digestate
24 800 t/a corn silage
18 800 t/a food waste
1 890 t/a sewage sludge
720 t/a wood ash and sand from cattle
houses
80 t/a wastewater waste
The most frequently generated biowaste in major
processing companies, wastewater treatment plants
and boiler houses in the region
Municipal
biomass waste
2 200 t/a
Share of biowaste collected in the region and
deposited in landfills [26], [27]
Crop and
livestock
by-products
226 178 t/a manure
31 791 t/a residues from winter wheat
25 985 t/a residues of summer barley
21 452 t/a residues from summer wheat
14 265 t/a residues from oats
11 791 21 452 t/a residues from winter
rapeseed
13 798 21 452 t/a residues from summer
rapeseed
6 921 t/a balances from field beans
670 t/a balances of buckwheat
Calculated on the basis of livestock production [6]
and crop production [17] statistics in the region for
2018, crop yield indices [28]–[31], average crop
yield (2015–2017) [32]
Foresting
residues
36 108 m3/year non-useful part of the
trunk
77 576 m3/year twigs
8 913 m3/year tops
6 238 m3/year needle foliage
94 839 m3/year strains
Calculated on the basis of annual harvesting
volumes in major fellings [15]
Forest
non-timber
resources
11 700 t/a cranberries
5 500 t/a raspberries
24 700 t/a blueberries
17 500 t/a lingonberries
2 000 m3/year pine needles from logging
2 400 m3/year tree needles from logging
80 thousand l/a of maple sap
245 000 thousand l/a of birch sap
The theoretical quantities of berries available have
been calculated considering the forest types of the
region [15] and the biological harvests of
theoretical berries, depending on forest types [33].
In addition to the mentioned forest non-timber
bioresources, there are others (e.g. forest
mushrooms, cones, medical plants, game animals)
the amounts of which cannot be determined.
The theoretical quantities of tree sap to be obtained
have been calculated on the basis of material
factors of tree species, age [15], density [34],
average quantities of sap [33], [35], nature
protected areas [15], etc.
3.3. Sustainable Use of Bioresources
According to the developed methodology, an assessment of the sustainable use of existing
bioresources was carried out in the study case. In the case of the Aizkraukle region, the
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assessment of the possibilities to use 9 bioresource flows: forest residues, wood resources,
fruit, berry and vegetable processed products, agricultural residues, corn, forest berries, forest
mushrooms, sheep wool, milk, was carried out and schemes were designed to demonstrate the
different uses of each bioresource. The cascades proposed are not based on specific
companies and their activities but serve as examples and a source of information on how it
would be possible to develop the economy in the area of the Aizkraukle region, using
available bioresources and capabilities. This also helps to see opportunities for potential
plants to produce specific products, using the various resources available in the region, and
to exercise the possibilities of symbiosis between the various bioresource processing
industries. When designing schemes, the main emphasis was placed on innovative
technological solutions.
Considering, that forestry is the main sector in the analysed region, as an example in this
publication is represented a scheme for the possibility to use of logging residues accordance
with the principles of the circular economy and the bioeconomy (Fig. 6). Demonstrating that
the main resource of the forest is not only wood. There are many ways to use logging balances
to generate additional income, to reduce the environmental burden and to promote the
development of the economy through the sustainable use of these resources.
Fig. 6. An example of sustainable use of bioresources. The possibility to use logging residues in accordance with the
principles of the circular economy and the bioeconomy.
The most significant harvesting resources are the crown part and strains of wood, which,
depending on the species of trees, can represent up to 45 % of the total weight of the tree.
In practical terms, there are several restrictions on such a logging waste scheme. For example,
it should be noted that not all theoretical quantities of available logging residues can actually
and should be taken from the forest. Firstly, this is related to the types of forests in which the
crown part of felled trees is needed to ensure the movement of heavy logging techniques and
the introduction of assortments from felling areas to the road. As well as the fact that it is not
technologically possible to remove all the residues of logging and it is not desirable, a s it is
necessary to leave the feed base for the development of the next forest.
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The implementation of the proposed harvesting residue processing scheme would also
result in a number of environmental and climate benefits, such as a reduction in the amount
of biomass remaining in clearings and generating CO2 emissions, and an additional stream of
resources that can be used to produce products, including as an alternative to fossil resources.
If unrecycled, the residues of logging, as a resource for export, unlike wood, is not
economically justified because in that form there is no demand and transport costs would be
disproportionately high. It is therefore necessary to process this part of the resource on the
ground and then to assess the possibilities for export of the finished products, which would
also be the most economically and socio-economic option for the development of the region's
economy and living standards.
In the proposed harvesting residue scenario (Fig. 6), the main flows of resources are
branches (without leaves), strains and individual needle foliage of coniferous trees (spruces
and pines, delicate branches in diameter up to ~5 mm with needles). Branches and strains can
be used to produce harvesting chips that are of lower quality fuels due to impurities (e.g.
needles, leaves, soil particles, etc.). The biomass of the purified branches and strains of these
impurities can be used as an additive in the manufacture of various construction materials,
such as composite materials and particle boards.
Similarly, through the pyrolysis process, both types of logging residues can be used to
produce higher added-value products in the energy sector [36]. Using the pyrolysis process,
bio-oil, charcoal and pyrolysis gas can be obtained in parallel. Bio-oil or pyrolysis oil is a
substance derived from biodegradable material through pyrolysis process by heating biomass
in an oxygen-free environment. This results in high bio-oil composition, as well as charcoal
and pyrolysis gas. Bio-oil may be used in liquid fuel boilers without prior treatment. After
the bio-oil is treated, it may be used as a fuel for internal combustion engines or for the
development of valuable chemical compounds (e.g., laevoglucose, phenols, aldehydes,
furans, etc.) [37].
Processing needle foliage makes it possible to obtain a wide range of products of high
added-value, such as medicines, cosmetics and feeding stuffs. Scientific literature focuses on
the use of needles in relation to biological active substances [38]–[41]. Studies have been
carried out examining the possibility of using coniferous extracts and essential oils for the
manufacture of anticancer medicines [42], [43]. The information about the use of needles in
the manufacture of plant protection products, biogas [44], nanofiber pulp [45], nano silicon
[46], pulp and paper [47], [48] is available. Intermediate products and final products made
from needle foliage are of high export potential, since their future use is mainly attributable
to the medical sector. At the same time, the sustainable management of biological residues is
also a matter of concern. As regards the use of needle foliage, it is possible to carry out a
cleaner production scheme in the manufacture of products in which residues, after extraction
using it as mulch in horticulture or fodder, or as a resource for the production of thermal
insulation material [49]–[51], thermal packaging or composite material [52], [53]. Thus, it is
possible not only to ensure a zero-waste production process but also to increase the return on
a single resource stream, to diversify the production range and to become more competitive.
For the moment, the main obstacles to the development of needle foliage processing plants is
the underdeveloped mechanized collection of raw materials, but this issue can be solved if
there were opportunities to realise this resource.
By evaluating all 9 schemes developed within the framework of the study, common uses
can be seen for different bioresources. For example, from low value-added products for
energy purposes – biogas, to high added value products that can be used in pharmacy – single
cell oil. Both products, mentioned as examples, are made from residual streams that remain
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after the recycling of bioresources. This means that it is possible to find solutions to zero-
waste use of bioresources, as well as to industrial symbiosis between different recycling
companies.
3.4. Recommendations
In the first European Bioeconomy Strategy (2012), focus was on the science, innovations,
education and training, governance and dialogue with society [7]. This principle was used to
find a solution for recommendations. Responses to the three key issues for the development
of recommendations were structured in line with the European Bioeconomy Strategy,
combining three main blocks – “Who?”, “How?” and “What?” (Fig. 7). Each of these blocks
is divided into three main groups, the interaction of which within the block and between the
blocks can have an impact on capacity building. The mutual and cumulative effects of these
interactions will not only contribute to the development of the bioeconomy and the circular
economy at the regional level, but also to microeconomic development and, as a result, to
macroeconomic development at the national level.
Fig. 7. A recommendation scheme to strengthen the capacity of small rural areas.
The application of the methodology developed for the evaluation of small rural regions in
the context of the circular economy and bioeconomy provides opportunities to effectively
direct the development of these regions by making full use of existing bioresources.
The methodology can be adapted to the assessment and cross-comparison of different regions.
In accordance with the recommendation model based on the bioeconomy strategy
developed in the methodology, recommendations focusing on three groups of society
involved, both directly and indirectly, in the management of bioresources were developed:
− Municipalities, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions;
− Entrepreneurs;
− Inhabitants.
The economy is a knowledge-based sector. Without it, nothing else will be able to develop.
Therefore, the available bioresources are fundamental to the economic development of the
Aizkraukle region, but knowledge is a roof that protects and makes the economy home eternal.
The issue of the development of the bioeconomy, the circular economy and the economy in
the Aizkraukle region will not only be resolved by the creation of one or more large-capacity
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bioresource refineries. These issues should be viewed as a complex system so that, when
developed in one direction, there is no oversight or exploitation of other possibilities than the
use of resources available. Building up your knowledge and raising awareness to address what
is happening more broadly could lead to sound decisions and take sustainable action.
4. CONCLUSIONS
The study developed a methodology for the assessment of small rural areas in the context
of the circular economy and the bioeconomy, in order to make it possible to effectively direct
the development of these regions through the full use of existing bioresources, which have
been secured for a small rural area in Latvia for the Aizkraukle region. The results of the
restructuring demonstrate that such methodology makes it possible to identify the current
situation and potential of the availability of bioresources in the research region and to identify
underutilized bioresource flows. The methodology developed can be supplemented with other
indicators and their analysis tools to allow cross-regional comparisons and assessment of their
strengths and weaknesses, and to assess the possibilities for more efficient management of
available bioresources.
The case study showed that forestry plays a key role in the region, although sufficient land
resources are available for the production of agricultural resources. Bioresource processing
is not developed in the area, but is dominated by primary production of bioresources, which
means that they do not add value, leading to the development of the economy and the increase
in welfare levels. There is a sufficiently large free labour force available for business
development, which is not linked to the availability of resources, the current business in
primary sectors of the bioeconomy or the level of development in the area. In its
recommendations to strengthen regional capacity through sustainable use of local
bioresources, the focus is mainly on cooperation between organisations, business and local
inhabitants in the fields of knowledge, education and training, research and innovation in the
context of the bioeconomy and the circular economy.
The results obtained can be used in the development of planning documents at the level of
small rural areas to include achievable and sustainable local resource management targets and
other targets, so that entrepreneurs and society as a whole are aware of the available resources,
diversity and their exploitation opportunities, and to identify the direction of future research
and innovation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This research is funded by the Latvian Council of Science, project “Bioresources value model (BVM)”, project No.
lzp-2018/1-0426.
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