Enabling science-based policymaking
Biodiversity underpins almost every aspect of human development. It is key to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement and many other global climate and food system initiatives. From food, clean water, health and jobs to issues of peace and security, it has become imperative for decision-makers to know more about how their choices affect and are affected by the environment.
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent intergovernmental body, established by member States in 2012. It provides policymakers with objective scientific assessments about the state of knowledge regarding the planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems and the benefits they provide to people, as well as the tools and methods to protect and sustainably use these vital natural assets. Our mission is to strengthen knowledge foundations for better policy through science, for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development. To some extent IPBES does for biodiversity what the IPCC does for climate change.
The Nexus Assessment
This new work program includes a thematic assessment of the interlinkages among biodiversity, water, food and health (nexus assessment), which will examine the interlinkages among the sustainable development goals related to food and water security, health for all, protecting biodiversity on land and in the oceans and combating climate change.
Food Systems & Global Change Director, Mario Herrero, has been tasked in the role of Coordinating Lead Author of the fifth chapter - Options for delivering sustainable approaches to elements of the nexus.