Biosystems and bioprocesses
are typically not connected to arid
areas, where the produced biomass and its availability are low. There
is however a large potential for arid areas to become major bioeconomical
actors via more localized biomass generation strategies. Indoor farming,
bioengineering, and aquaculture have a great potential to be at the
center of this transition. They are expected to address important
challenges associated with food and (bio)materials supply and, ultimately,
to climate and environment. Specifically, the utilization of the by-
and coproducts deriving from these strategies could synergistically
connect into a range of circular processes toward sustainable bioproducts’
supply and the greening of arid areas. These topics are at the center
of this perspective, where emerging biomass generation and management
strategies in arid areas are introduced. The potential positive feedback
loops between their coproducts are then put in relation with the development
of more diverse and thriving biosystems as well as the generation
of a range of bioproducts. These approaches are contextualized with
the current and alternative energy sectors and water treatments processes,
which have well-established economical portfolios across most arid
areas. The mapping of innovative bioeconomical actors in arid areas
and their synergistic interactions, as put forward herein aims to
intensify research efforts toward a fully integrated and global sustainable
bioeconomy.