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This report provides an overview of the key problems and perspectives toward sustainable production and use of biofuels. It is based on an extensive literature study, taking into account recent major reviews, and considering a wide range of different views from eminent experts worldwide. The focus is on so-called first generation biofuels while considering further lines of development. This focus is due to state-of-the-art and data availability until the end of 2008. Potential benefits and impacts of second and third generation biofuels – preferably referred to as ‘advanced biofuels’ – are partially included, and might be subject to a specific report at a later stage. The report focusses on the global situation, recognising regional differences.

Multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) are agreements between several parties—that is, States or, in some cases, regional economic integration organisations such as the European Union—to pursue specific measures aimed at protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. This type of initiative is often brought about by worldwide concerns about the great and sometimes serious impacts of seemingly harmless human activities on the Earth's fragile environment. In response to these impacts, nations are now questioning the long-term sustainability of such activities in view of the need to ensure a safe future for coming generations.