Key messages

• The transformational potential of bioeconomy solutions to advance environmental sustainability rests on whether they can deploy strategies for social sustainability.
• Bioeconomy can learn important lessons on social inclusion from previous research on redistribution, recognition, and representation concerns in forest-based climate initiatives.
• Initiatives should recognize Indigenous Peoples and local communities as right-holders in their design and implementation.
• They should ensure that enabling conditions are in place for women, youth and Indigenous Peoples and local communities to participate effectively throughout an initiative’s lifetime.
• Initiatives should also provide mechanisms to promote a just and fair distribution of costs and benefits between stakeholders.