The International Trade of Biomass: Concerns about Biofuels

At worldwide the implications associated with an increasing trade both in raw materials and biofuels show a double issue: the first is linked to the long transport distances and therefore to the reduction of environmental benefits; the second affects the exploitation of areas with high carbon stock, often located in countries with economic and social problems. In this sense, the concerns expressed by international organizations in the development of common schemes to authenticate that the origin of biofuels and/or raw materials to produce them meets certain requirements, such as the conservation and protection of ecosystems. This research aims to describe the current status of international trade of the 1° generation biofuels, particularly at European level and the concerns about this sector.