Actors, representations and strategies in transitions towards a circularbioeconomy in the agrifood system of Reunion Island

The circular bioeconomy is attracting increasing attention from public authorities and private players as a means of driving sustainable transitions in agrifood systems. This is particularly true in island regions, where pressure on local resources is intense and dependence on imported products is high. This study analyses the way in which stakeholders represent the role of the circular bioeconomy and the projects they are involved in, to identify the main transition strategies for Reunion. The fieldwork was carried out in three stages: a stakeholder mapping exercise, 38 semi-structured interviews and a participatory workshop attended by 30 interviewed stakeholders. Even if the contours of the circular bioeconomy concept remain vague, our results show that the stakeholders interviewed associate it with a means of rethinking the territory. A further 20 projects were identified and then grouped into three mains circular bioeconomy strategies: (i) substituting imported materials with local alternatives; (ii) encouraging local food consumption; and (iii) developing the recycling of organic matter