Building capacity in scenario use and implementation
| Project title | Building capacity in scenario use and implementation |
| Implementing Institutions | UNESCO, Paris, France Fondation pour la Recherche sur la biodiversité (FRB), Paris, France bioDISCOVERY core project of Future Earth, U PSud, Orsay, France United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), Tokyo, Japan |
| Country(ies) | France |
| Abstract | Scenarios are a key component of IPBES assessments, quantifying future perspectives on nature and natures’ benefits to people. They are indispensible for science-based support of policy formulation and implementation. Capacity in the application of scenarios is key for successful use in policy support. We propose a policy day to provide an opportunity for exchange between scientists and policy makers. This allows for a better understanding of policy-makers' needs, and for insights how scenarios are developed and used. This increases transparency and capacity for implementation of scenarios. |
| Project Description | IPBES assessments build on existing scenarios exercises to describe the future of nature and nature's benefits and to evaluate the potentials of policy strategies. There is a need for scientists and practioners to understand the needs of different stakeholder groups in order to develop scenarios that integrate different knowledge systems. In turn, policy and decision makers, particularly those involved in IPBES, need to understand how scenarios are developed and used to be able to successfully implement the results and outcomes of scenario assessments and evaluations. We propose a policy day to facilitate the direct interaction beween policy makers and scientists using scenario-based approaches. The policy day is targeted specifically to IPBES decision-makers, addressing member governments of the Plenary. It is envisaged to take place ahead of a scientific conference of the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Scenarios Network in Aug 2016; UNESCO has expressed a willingness to physically host the event. The funding requested will cover travel and accommodation, as well as meals for the delegates. The policy day will consist of presentations of case studies highlighting opportunites for involvement of various stakeholder groups in the scenario development process, as well as discussion sessions. The direct interaction of policy makers with scientists increases the understanding on how scenarios are developed, how they can be applied, and allows to test the participatory scenarios approach to the high level dynamics of decision-making in the context of the IPBES plenary. |
| Project Objectives and expected Achievables | *Project Objectives* The project aims to build capacity in both experts developing scenarios, and policy and decision makers implementing the outcomes of scenarios and assessments. In particular, it intends to 1) Increase the understanding of scenario developers in terms of policy makers needs 2) Increase the understanding of various groups of stakeholders and policy makers in terms of scenario development, use and application. *Achievables and measureables of the project:* Number of policy makers attending policy day Implementation of assessment outcomes on national level and reflectance in policy decisions taken Policy day report circulated to attendees and IPBES plenary as info doc *Milestones:* Invitation sent out to experts and policy makers end 2015 Agenda circulated March 2016 Policy day held in August 2016 Workshop report submitted October 2016 |
| Timeframe | < 1 year |
| Geographic Scale | Multinational |
| Seeking Resources for: | Project implementation |
| Type of Resources/Support needed: | Financial |