Scoping study on the ability of circular economy to enhance biodiversity: Identifying knowledge gaps and research questions

Through an in-depth analysis of EU and Dutch governmental policy documents and scientific papers, this study identifies three main knowledge gaps for halving the ecological footprint of Dutch consumption by 2050: (1) national and EU policies do mention, though not explicitly, the relationship between circular economy (CE) and biodiversity – indicating a potential lack of knowledge and action perspective; (2) that the entire set of footprint indicators (footprint family) is essential for measuring the effects of CE on biodiversity; and (3) research on CE footprints and biodiversity is currently mainly focused on the energy and food sectors while sectors, such as mining, manufacturing and construction are the focus of many CE policies.