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London-Based Immersive Art Installation Sets IPBES Data on Climate-Related Species Extinction to Image and Sound as a Call for Action on Marine Species Protection

English (396)
An immersive art installation designed by Director Roland Lane with the support of Greenpeace & Arts Council England uses IPBES data relating to species extinction linked to climate change and sets them to digital animation combining sounds and motion graphics.
Using jellyfish as a focal point, the objective of the installation is to call for action on marine species protection. The "FORSAKEN" exhibit is shown in January and February 2024 in the Outernet London.
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Biodiversity and climate change, Global assessment (1st work programme)
2024-01-11
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UBS Sustainability Institute Publishes White Paper Proposing a Toolbox of Finance-Driving Technologies for the Measurement of Biodiversity In Regard to the Five Drivers of Biodiversity Loss

English (396)
UBS Sustainability and Impact Institute publishes a white paper on the tools needed to align technology and finance to address biodiversity challenges and reach the Global Biodiversity Framework Targets.

The report focuses in particular on technologies for measuring the state of biodiversity and the impact and potential of sustainable investments: the toolbox assesses the relevance of 14 technologies for measurement in regard to each of the five drivers of biodiversity decline as identified in the IPBES Global Assessment.
Website
Global assessment (1st work programme)
2024-01-09
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US Senate Resolution Introduced that Highlights IPBES Science and Amplifies Call for National Biodiversity Strategy

English (396)
Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a non-binding resolution in the U.S. Senate to establish a National Biodiversity Strategy. The resolution would express the need for the United States to establish a national biodiversity
strategy to protect species biodiversity. Such a strategy would encourage federal agencies to identify and pursue a full range of actions within existing laws and policies while encouraging the consideration of new ones, as well as establish a new four-year assessment to monitor the progress in addressing the biodiversity crisis.

The resolution notes that "whereas the United States should play a leading role on the international stage in addressing the biodiversity crisis, yet the United States... (3) does not have a national biodiversity strategy as
part of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services."

The resolution references IPBES science published in the 2019 Global Assessment, stating that "whereas recent scientific studies have shown that human driven threats have harmed biodiversity by (1) threatening approximately 1,000,000 species with imminent or near extinction." It also makes references to scientific evidence on the decline of wild species, the need to control threats posed by invasive species, as well as drivers of biodiversity loss.

Over 120 organizations endorsed the resolution. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Senator Merkley in sponsoring the resolution.
Website
Global assessment (1st work programme)
2023-12-12
public
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Swedish University and Farming data platform conduct a pilot study for measurement of farm impact on nature and biodiversity, citing IPBES highlights of the interlinked nature and climate challenges

Swedish (506)
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Agronod - a farm data sharing platform - have developed a new tool in a pilot study making it possible to calculate and report biodiversity as well as climate impacts for a given farm and/or a specific production branch. The purpose of this tool is based on the linkage between climate and biodiversity challenges according to IPBES reports: the study proposes to support agricultural actors to be able to measure their impact on biodiversity and nature.

The feasibility study includes, among other things:
- A review of 16 different international methods for measuring the value of biodiversity.
- Factors that affect biodiversity in arable landscapes in Sweden. Characteristics of the landscape and management methods that affect the nature around and on the farm.
- Factors and measures that affect the value of biodiversity on individual farms.
- Practical example of how a calculation can be done.
Website
Biodiversity and climate change
2023-12-12
public
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Asset Management Company Mirova's Social Impact Strategy Influenced by IPBES Science

English (396)
Asset management company Mirova has pledged to focus on the social impacts of its land investments around the world through a sustainable land management-dedicated strategy. Mirova offers investment solutions that combine financial performance with environmental and social impact. The newly launched Mirova Sustainable Land Fund 2 (MSLF2) has the goal of raising €350 million (US$377.8 million) over a four-to-five year period from public bodies and institutional investors. It will invest in agroforestry, sustainable forestry, and regenerative agriculture projects in developing countries.

In its April 2023 report, "Mirova for Nature: Progress report on our roadmap in favour of biodiversity #2," the organization references science published in the IPBES Global Assessment (2019) and IPBES-IPCC Co-sponsored Workshop report, writing: "For Mirova, quick action by the financial sector is required well before regulations are enforced everywhere: divestment of impactful activities such as intensive agriculture & forestry, investment in nature-positive activities such as nature-based solutions and activities that reduce the five direct anthropogenic pressure drivers defined by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)– changes in land and sea use; direct exploitation of organisms; climate change; pollution; and invasion of alien species –, but also simulation of corporates impacts to support investment decisions in the absence of sufficient data and engagement with companies to direct their climate fundings towards land-use projects in the context of net-zero commitments."

"Evaluating positive impact also requires evaluation of the business-as-usual and sustainability scenario for each of the five pressure drivers on biodiversity defined by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)... Mirova leverages collaborative engagement to encourage companies in most material sectors to accelerate the transition towards deployment of processes and development of products that mitigate negative impacts in supply chain and improve positive impact based on reduced IPBES pressures of an activity as compared to a baseline," continued the organization.

"Mirova excludes activities that are most harmful to biodiversity. Globally a few activities have been identified as most harmful to biodiversity because they are the main root cause of the IPBES pressures drivers. Mirova has already
published its controversial activity list on the topic of climate change and intends to update it with new exclusions related to land use and pollution, including notably deforestation-linked agricultural commodities, chemicals and plastics," the entity pledged.
Website
Global assessment (1st work programme), IPBES-IPCC co-sponsored workshop on biodiversity and climate change
2023-12-07
private
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Science from IPBES Pollination Report at Heart of New Global 'Trillion Bees' Coalition to Develop Projects and Actions to Protect Pollinators

English (396)
A new global coalition is coming together with a mission to raise awareness to reverse biodiversity loss and save our planet’s pollinators. To be presented for the first time at COP28 in Dubai this December, the new global coalition Trillion Bees is inviting businesses, organisations and industry leaders to join its mission and ‘Bee The Change’ to help protect the world’s pollinators.

The network aims to be a new global coalition and unified force of science-led individuals, businesses and organisations committed to raising awareness and driving behaviour change to create a world where pollinators thrive, in order to sustain healthy ecosystems and secure the wellbeing of people and nature.

"Over the next 7 years, we’re set to engage and mobilise over 2 billion people worldwide, and aim to raise over $1 billion dollars to support nature restoration and transformative projects to save our pollinators," the Coalition has pledged.

Trillion Bees is a science-led initiative supported by a scientific advisory board of some of the world’s leading scientists, chaired by Professor Simon Potts (co-Chair IPBES Pollination Assessment). The board is currently developing the Theory of Change (a methodology of projects and expected outcomes), which is based on the IPBES [Pollinators] Assessment Report and decisions adopted by the UN Biodiversity Conference COP13, and will be the organisation’s north star for action.

More information is available at https://www.milkywire.com/bee-the-change
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Pollination assessment
2023-12-06
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In New Paper, Authors Point to IPBES Work as they Call for Integrated Policy Approaches and Solutions to Solve Climate and Biodiversity Crises Together

German (435)
In a new article published in the German journal Ecological Economy, authors Alexandra Dehnhardt and Josef Settele argue that so far, climate and biodiversity protection have largely been dealt with in separate political domains, and that both crises can only be solved together.

“Climate change and the biodiversity crisis can only be overcome together ,” emphasize Dehnhardt and Settele in their in-depth article. How can the two policy areas work better together? A first step was the joint workshop by the World Biodiversity Council IPBES and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC 2020. Both bodies believe a profound change is necessary - for example through development paths such as degrowth, green economy or nature protection.

The authors quote the IPBES Global Assessment (2019), the IPBES Values Assessment, and the IPBES-IPCC Joint Workshop Report in the publication.
Website
Values assessment, Global assessment (1st work programme), IPBES-IPCC co-sponsored workshop on biodiversity and climate change
2023-12-04
public
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Strategic Plan for the Bern Convention to 2030 Grounded in IPBES Science

English (396)
The newly adopted strategic plan for the implementation of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats - The Bern Convention - (https://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention) refers to the IPBES Global Assessment, in providing both the context for the plan and as the foundation for a number of key glossary of terms.
Website
Global assessment (1st work programme)
2023-12-01
public
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IPBES Science at Heart of Guardian Newspaper's Initiative to Include Biodiversity Amongst its Editorial Priorities

English (396)
The influential UK-based Guardian newspaper updated its editorial climate pledge to include nature and biodiversity. For this major editorial revision, and intending to ensure that biodiversity is also placed at the heart of their work in the way that climate was a few years back, the publication launched a large news feature. The reports focuses on what the world might look like in 2050 if we do not take the necessary action on biodiversity.

The article concentrates on the five main drivers of biodiversity loss identified by IPBES: land and sea use change, direct exploitation of natural resources, climate change, pollution and invasive species. As such, The Guardian requested perspectives from IPBES experts from different backgrounds, geographies and genders.

IPBES science, particularly from the 2019 Global Assessment and the 2023 Invasive Alien Species Assessment, was not only cited in the article, but it led Guardian to commission it, marking the newspaper's commitment to including biodiversity and related issues amongst its editorial priorities.

IPBES authors and/or experts quoted in the news piece include Sandra Diaz, Emma Archer, Anibal Pauchard, Hanno Seebens, Peter Stoett, Unai Pascual, Jean-Marc Fromentin, Josef Settele and Eduardo Brondizio.
Website
Invasive alien species assessment, Global assessment (1st work programme), Stakeholder engagement, Communications
2023-11-29
private
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Dutch Minister for Nature Briefs Parliament on IPBES 10 Plenary Decisions and Implications for Dutch Biodiversity Policies

Dutch (425)
On 6 December 2023 the Dutch Minister for Nature and Nitrogen briefed the Netherlands Parliament on the outcomes of the 10th IPBES Plenary session (28 August-2 September 2023).
The Minister proposes several policies to be implemented in light of the decisions adopted at IPBES10:
- Invasive alien species: proposal for the continued and urgent implementation of the European Exotics Species Regulation, introduction of a national invasive species regulation, developing an approach and national strategy plan focused on prevention and early elimination, in accordance with the findings of the IPBES Invasive Alien Species Report which highlighted the lower cost of prevention of biological invasions rather than control and management of such invasions after they have taken place.
- IPBES-IPCC collaboration: national focal points for both intergovernmental organisations are encouraged to seek more cooperation at their own level, following the IPBES decision encouraging more interaction with IPCC counterparts.
- Dutch commitment to IPBES: The government commits to continuing its participation in SPM negociations, to ensure uptake and awareness of IPBES reports and attract more scientists and knowledge holders in IPBES processes. One key tool created for implementation of this policy is the creation of the Dutch IPBES Secretariat in May 2023, hosted by Naturalis and IUCN-NL.
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Biodiversity and climate change, Invasive alien species assessment, Plenary
2023-11-27
2023-12-06
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European Parliament Adopts 'New Deal For Pollinators' Partly in Consideration of IPBES Pollination Assessment Findings

English (396)
The European Parliament adopted on 23 November 2023 a Resolution on the revised Pollinators Initiative, "A new deal for pollinators" (resolution 023/2720(RSP)) which underlines the urgent need for concrete action to reverse pollinator decline by 2030.

The resolution was adopted "having regard to the 2016 assessment report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services on pollinators, pollination and food production".
It aims to ensure policy coherence in the fields of agriculture and forestry, pollution and connectivity, enable a pollinator monitoring scheme and bolster resource mobilization, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building to meet the Initiative objectives
Website
Pollination assessment
2023-11-23
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Directly Citing IPBES Report, G7 Workshop Agrees on Importance of Measures to Control & Prevent Spread of Invasive Alien Species

English (396)
At a G7 workshop held in Japan from 20 to 22 November 2023, government officials discussed the need to control Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and agreed to strengthen international cooperation on this issue, based primarily on the IPBES Invasive Alien Species Assessment Report.

Informed by an international webinar held in April 2023, as well as consultations with other governments, relevant international organizations and stakeholders held on the sidelines of the 25th meeting of the CBD’s Subsidiary Body for Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), officials agreed to incorporate national invasive species strategies and action plans (NISSAPs) and/or IAS components of the national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) in their respective countries.

The G7 officials acknowledged the value of the findings of the IPBES IAS Assessment Report and other relevant outputs of IPBES to encourage IAS-related discussions, recognizing that options exist to prevent the transport, introduction, establishment and spread of IAS, as well as to minimize their negative impacts, as reflected in the IPBES IAS report.

In their statement, the officials agreed to:

- Promote global, regional, and bilateral collaborations to (1) facilitate exchange of information including data, knowledge and experiences; (2) promote policy dialogue among countries on addressing IAS, including by stressing the importance of integrating biosecurity measures at international, national, and sub-national levels; and (3) develop/promote regional scale actions especially in relation to prevention, biosecurity measures and pathways.

- Strengthen scientific research, global databases and information systems, including enhancing decision support tools for identification and prioritization of IAS, pathways of introduction, and sites through horizon scanning, assessment of the magnitude of impacts, risk analysis, and other methods, as well as building evidence and increasing understanding of IAS, their impacts and management options.

- Promote outreach and mainstreaming through a whole-of-government and whole-of- society approach by generating awareness and education, working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and engaging the private sector, among other notable initiatives.

- Among several capacity building actions, the officials committed to using the IPBES IAS Assessment Report and available tools and guidance of the CBD and other organizations to help support their efforts.

The group intends to hold annual in-person or online meetings of relevant experts/officials to follow-up on the processes, as well as share information, experience and progress on their work at least every two years, with particular emphasis on progress towards achieving Target 6 of the GBF by 2030.

Recordings of the various sessions and consultations are available here: https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/gairai_inter-conf_2023.html
Website
Invasive alien species assessment
2023-11-22
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Citing IPBES Reports, 200 Health Journals Urge WHO to Declare Nature Crisis as Health Emergency

English (396)
Over 200 health journals have urged the World Health Organization to declare the climate and nature crisis as a global health emergency.

To make their case, the authors cite science published in the report for the IPBES-IPCC co-sponsored workshop on biodiversity and climate change (2021). "The research communities that provide the evidence for the 2 COPs [...] were brought together for a workshop in 2020 when they concluded that 'Only by considering climate and biodiversity as parts of the same complex problem…can solutions be developed that avoid maladaptation and maximize the beneficial outcomes'", they explained.

"Globally, about a fifth of people rely on wild species for food and their livelihoods," also quoted the authors, taking from the IPBES Assessment report on the sustainable use of wild species (2022).

The editorial was published in leading titles from around the world, including The BMJ, The Lancet, JAMA, the Medical Journal of Australia, the East African Medical Journal, the National Medical Journal of India and Dubai Medical Journal.
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Sustainable use assessment, IPBES-IPCC co-sponsored workshop on biodiversity and climate change
2023-11-04
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AKWA , RYvER and Local Stakeholders Operationalize IPBES Nature Futures Framework to Save the Albarine River System

English (396)
The Aquatic Knowledge Centre Wageningen (AKWA) and the Drying River Networks and Climate Change (DRYvER) programme held a joint workshop in Lyon, France to co-create a desirable future for the drying Albarine river system. During the meeting, a mix of project and local stakeholders operationalized the IPBES Nature Futures Framework to come up with solutions for the river network, as well as discussed the socio-economic values related to the river, according to workshop participants.

The AKWA (Aquatic Knowledge Centre Wageningen) is part of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW). The Drying River Networks and Climate Change project is funded by the EU's Horizon 2020 Research & Innovation Programme.
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Nature Futures Framework, Policy support tools and methodologies (2nd work programme)
2023-10-12
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Dutch Parliament Adopts a Motion Highlighting the Findings from the IPBES Invasive Alien Species Assessment Report and Urging the Government to Action For Management of the Invasive American Crayfish

Dutch (425)
The Dutch Parliament examined and adopted a motion submitted by MP van Campen urging the Government to amend legislation and regulations applicable to crayfish trapping in order to improve management of the American crayfish, an invasive species threatening water quality and biodiversity in the Netherlands.
The motion adopted by the Parliament bases its reasoning on the findings from the IPBES Invasive Alien Species Assessment Report regarding the impact and costs of biological invasions (400 billion euros worldwide).
Website
Invasive alien species assessment
2023-10-11
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Japan's Environment Ministry Hosts International Webinar on Invasive Alien Species and the IPBES Assessment Report

English (396)
While holding the G7 presidency, the Government of Japan, through its Ministry of Environment, highlighted the need to address invasive alien species and provided a space to exchange views during an international webinar it hosted on 5 October 2023.

With the participation of the IPBES Executive Secretary, as well as the co-chairs of the IPBES Thematic Assessment of Invasive Alien Species and their Control, the webinar delved into major topics around IAS issues, including the key messages of the summary for policymakers of the IPBES IAS report and how it can be utilized for achieving Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The speakers also shared their experiences at the national/regional/global levels toward the achievement of the global target and discussed necessary actions to enhance international cooperation and private sector engagement. Among the speakers were the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research.

Recording available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WNPqJVpTpw
Website
Invasive alien species assessment
2023-10-05
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Nature Journal Editorial Utilizes IPBES Knowledge as it Calls to Improve Tracking and Statistics on Global Biodiversity

English (396)
In Nature journal's October 2023 edition, authors called for "incorporating the costs of biodiversity loss into economic planning," saying that "properly resourcing national statistical offices to coordinate environmental accounts" is "essential" to achieve the SDGs. The authors cite the System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA) as an example of "integrating environmental indicators more closely with economic ones."

"In 2019, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) — an organization similar to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change — reported that ecological communities on land have lost more than 20% of their original biodiversity, and that millions of terrestrial species are likely to become extinct by 2100," wrote the authors, citing the IPBES Global Assessment (2019). "The costs of environmental damage, such as biodiversity loss, rarely factor into countries’ official calculations of income and wealth," reads the editorial.

The journal issued a call to action urging experts and researchers to comment on the next revision of the UN Statistics Division's System of National Accounts (SNA).
Website
Global assessment (1st work programme)
2023-10-03
public
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German Hunters Use IPBES Science to Advocate for Better Measures to Control Invasive Alien Species

German (435)
The German Hunters Association (DJV) has called on the "federal and state governments to better coordinate management measures for invasive species in the future and commit to hunting as a tool for species protection."

Citing the IPBES Assessment on Invasive Alien Species and their Control, the DJV stated: "Only recently, [IPBES] pointed out the negative, sometimes irreversible effects of invasive alien species on biological diversity: along with habitat loss, they are one of the five main causes of global species loss."

"Current political measures for management and their implementation are inadequate and there is an urgent need for action," it continued. Focusing on raccoons, the DJV claims that planned restrictions on hunting in Rhineland-Palatinate and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania endanger biodiversity and that the species benefits from the ban on trapping.
Website
Invasive alien species assessment
2023-09-21
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private
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Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability Publishes Special Journal Issue Focused on IPBES Values Assessment

English (396)
The October 2023 edition (Volume 64) of the journal Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability was published as a special issue focusing on the IPBES Values Assessment, with 15 articles exploring nature’s values, transformative change and sustainability, and other related themes.

In it's Editorial Overview titled "Leveraging the multiple values of nature for transformative change to just and sustainable futures — Insights from the IPBES Values Assessment," the authors state: "This special issue draws on the IPBES Values Assessment published in 2022 and engages with key questions about the role of values and valuation of nature for transformative change towards more just and sustainable futures. The special issue presents papers that review topics about how to conceptualise value diversity and undertake valuation to guide decisions geared towards transformative change. It also focuses on how power, justice and socio-environmental conflicts intersect with nature’s values, and the role of diverse values in conservation and development policy instruments."

The "Values for transformative change: The IPBES approach" special edition was edited by Unai Pascual, Patricia Balvanera and Mike Christie - the three co-Chairs of the IPBES Assessment.
Print Article
Values assessment
2023-09-19
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Directly Citing IPBES Report on Invasive Alien Species, Australian Commits $2.2m to Reduce Threat of Buffel Grass

English (396)
"The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has recognised buffel grass’s potential to completely take over arid ecosystems, forcing out native plant and animal species," said the South Australian government as it announced that the state's Landscape Priorities Fund and the Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board (AWLB) will jointly contribute more than $2.2M to a multi-agency buffel grass program.

"The IPBES’s Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control has been welcomed by the South Australian Government and the Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board (AWLB), which has led the fight against buffel grass in remote parts of the state for more than a decade," read the press release issued by the entities. The organizations stated that "buffel grass is a threat to remote Indigenous communities in Australia because it causes heightened fire risk, damage to cultural sites, and a reduction in the ability to pass on cultural knowledge to the next generation," and that "left unmanaged, the weed poses a threat to grazing and cropping systems because it spreads quickly in hotter, stormier weather."

Dr. Ellen Ryan-Colton, South Australian contributor to IPBES report, said "IPBES is at the forefront of including Indigenous knowledge in their reporting and recognising the effects on human communities." Likewise, Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board Chair Mick Haynes said, "the IPBES report is encouraging, especially the mention of the impact such invasive species have on the wellbeing and quality of life of human populations."
Website
Invasive alien species assessment
2023-09-14
AUD
$2.2 million
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Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Launches New Task Group to Respond to Challenges and Recommendations Outlined by IPBES IAS Report

English (396)
GBIF, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, an international network and data infrastructure funded by the world's governments and aimed at providing open access to data, announced the launch of a new task group to address data challenges revealed by the IPBES Invasive Species Assessment Report, including national needs for tracking progress toward reducing impacts of invasive alien species

"The task group recommended by the GBIF Science Committee, and endorsed by the GBIF Executive Committee will review recent developments in the science-policy interface relating to invasive alien species, and recommend actions for GBIF that will best address the needs of data users. These developments include not just the IPBES Assessment but also the needs of governments to track progress towards Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), relating to preventing or reducing the introduction and establishment of invasive alien species," stated the organization via a press release.
Website
Invasive alien species assessment
2023-09-11
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Building on IPBES Science, Researchers Identify Four Areas to Strengthen Sustainable Wildlife Trade

English (396)
A new paper published in the September 2023 edition of the Journal of Environmental Management has identified four core areas that must be strengthened for a better approach to wildlife trade and monitoring.

Titled "Determining the sustainability of legal wildlife trade," in the study, authors highlight the finding from the 2019 IPBES Global Assessment that exploitation of wildlife is the second greatest threat to global diversity and its vital contributions to people.

The authors provide 183 examples showing unsustainable trade in a broad range of taxonomic groups and calling for enacting changes in regulatory frameworks, deeming them "essential to the continued survival of many threatened species." These are: (1) rigorous data collection and analyses of populations; (2) linking trade quotas to IUCN and international accords; (3) improved databases and compliance of trade; and (4) enhanced understanding of trade bans, market forces, and species substitutions.

"Given that wildlife exploitation is a major driver of biodiversity loss (IPBES et al., 2019), demand-related information is urgently required to determine sustainability," cited the authors.
Website
Global assessment (1st work programme)
2023-09-01
public
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Researchers use IPBES Indirect Drivers of Change to Identify Underlying Causes of Biodiversity Loss in Scotland

English (396)
A new report led by The James Hutton Institute and commissioned by NatureScot (Scotland's Nature Agency), points to factors which are indirectly contributing to nature loss in Scotland including culture, education, demography, economy, political systems and technology.

The report follows the framework of the 2019 IPBES Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and its definitions of the indirect drivers. The paper summarizes the description of these drivers given in the IPBES report, transposing these to the Scottish situation with relevant evidence presented to support this transposition and identify potential levers of change.

The report presents a critical assessment of the status and trends of the natural world, the social implications of these trends, their direct and indirect causes, and actions that can be taken to ensure a better future for all. The report identifies ways to reduce the impacts of some of these contributing factors to help move towards a future where humans live more in harmony with nature. Government, public bodies, schools, businesses, individuals and communities are highlighted as having a lead role to play. Recommendations include that policy makers and businesses move away from measuring performance based on levels of production and consumption and focus more on regenerative uses of the land and sea as part of a sustainable, circular economy.

The report also makes extensive use of knowledge published in the IPBES Assessment of Scenarios and Models of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, as well as the IPBES Assessment on the Diverse Values and Valuation of Nature.
Website
Values assessment, Global assessment (1st work programme), Scenarios and models assessment
2023-08-31
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French Foundation for Biodiversity (FRB) Assesses Capacity of 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy for Transformative Changes Based on IPBES Work

English (396)
The new IPBES work programme “assessment of transformative change” aims to identify factors in human society—behavioural, social, cultural dimensions, among others—that may be leveraged to bring about transformative change. In this context and based on its scientific recommendations, the third French National Strategy for Biodiversity for 2030 (SNB3), published in 2022, aims to contribute to the implementation of France’s international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. We carried out a critical assessment of the capacity of the first version of SNB3 to initiate transformative change.
. Firstly, we describe a two-step assessment methodology for determining the leverage potential of the strategy’s measures, based on a robust and replicable independent scientific audit and a multi-criteria analysis.
. Secondly, we present the main results of the assessment using the SNB3 as a case example.
We confirm the scientific and practical relevance of this type of exercise for policy makers, for establishing strategies that are part of a transition process allowing for real transformative change in society. By analysing the measures and ranking them from most to least efficient, this study reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the strategy by anticipating what should have and may not have an impact, while highlighting what needs to be improved as a priority.
Website
Global assessment (1st work programme), Transformative change assessment scoping
2023-07-12
public
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To Strengthen Assessments of Freshwater Ecosystems, Researchers Employ IPBES Nature Futures Framework

English (396)
A new article published in the Sustainability Science journal explores how the Nature Futures Framework (NFF) may be implemented for improved assessment of freshwater ecosystems. In the article, researchers outline how the NFF and its main value perspectives can be translated to freshwater systems and explore what desirable freshwater futures would look like from three perspectives (Nature for Nature, Nature for Society, and Nature as Culture).

Second, they also review scenario strategies and current models to examine how freshwater modelling can be linked to the NFF in terms of its aims and outcomes. In doing so, authors aimed to identify which aspects of the NFF framework are not yet captured in current freshwater models and suggest possible ways to bridge them.

"We believe that the knowledge gaps that exist should be bridged by mobilising existing freshwater research communities and projects to model nature futures for freshwater ecosystems. We see the development of the Nature Futures Framework under IPBES as an opportunity for freshwater modelling communities from across the world to strengthen the representation of freshwater nature and biodiversity in global environmental governance," wrote the authors, extensively building on IPBES science throughout the publication.

"Current freshwater ecosystem models can represent Nature for Nature, partially represent Nature for Society, and represent limited or indirect aspects of Nature as Culture," they concluded.
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Nature Futures Framework, Values assessment, Global assessment (1st work programme), Scenarios and models assessment
2023-07-03
public
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TRAFFIC NGO Cites IPBES SUA and GA Findings and Recommendations in New Report on Legal and Sustainable Wild Species Trade

English (396)
The Global NGO, Traffic, has extensively cited IPBES findings and recommendations in its June 2023 report "Legal and sustainable wild species trade: Learnings and implications for nature market governance." The NGO refers to the IPBES Sustainable Use Assessment to provide general context around nature markets based on trade in wild species, as well as market-based voluntary standards, certification schemes, benchmarking and reporting initiatives.

"The 2022 Sustainable Use Assessment (SUA) by IPBES considers that the effectiveness of these initiatives, particularly certification and labelling schemes is varied. They have primarily benefited large-scale operations and have generally been limited to high-value markets," writes TRAFFIC. The SUA's recommendations are also touched on by the TRAFFIC report when focusing on stronger laws, regulations and policies and their enforcement.

The IPBES Global Assessment's findings are also cited to provide an overview of regulated wild species trade.
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Sustainable use assessment, Global assessment (1st work programme)
2023-06-15
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7 Directors from Natural Science Institutes from Europe Reference IPBES Science in Open Letter Supporting the European Nature Restoration Law

English (396)
In June 2023, seven directors from natural science institutes in Europe referenced IPBES in an open letter supporting the European Nature Restoration Law, which was later passed by the European Parliament in July 2023.

"Report after report, from regional or national studies to international organizations such as IPCC and IPBES, the science is clear: we must act now, not only on climate but also on biodiversity, as both are intricately and inseparably linked. That is why we are addressing you today," states the open letter.

Furthermore, the letter also cites IPBES findings by stating: "With currently one million species at risk of extinction we hope you will take the right decisions to avoid nature to be found only in our museums."

The public were invited to sign the open letter in support of the directors' appeal. Signatories included the directors of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, the Natural History Museum of Denmark, the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in The Netherlands, the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in France, the UK's Natural History Museum, and CETAF - Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities.
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Global assessment (1st work programme)
2023-06-14
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Internationally Renowned Artists Gillie And Marc To Create Biggest Sculpture In Singapore To Raise Awareness about Wildlife Extinction

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On National Endangered Species Day 2023 (19th May), Singapore will play host to the largest sculpture in the world - Love The Last March. Depicting the greatest animal march on earth planet, it aims to bring awareness to the massive rate of wildlife extinction and to help save the animal kingdom. The sculpture will be made by internationally renowned artists, Gillie and Marc, who have been bringing awareness to wildlife through their art for decades.

According to the article, '1 million species are at risk of extinction because of habitat loss, about 85% of all wildlife," a finding of the IPBES Global Assessment.
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Global assessment (1st work programme), Communications
2023-05-19
2024-05-18
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Scientists Use IPBES Conceptual Framework in Research to Address Environmental Discourse and Resource Understandings

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Researchers utilized the IPBES conceptual framework as a conceptual tool to examine and update the understanding of resource meanings and knowledge systems within historically non-sedentary societies. Researchers incorporated the concepts and methodologies outlined in the IPBES framework to analyze the connection between food customs, land knowledge, and resource understandings among non-sedentary peoples in Eurasia, specifically focusing on sturgeon aquaculture facilities in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.

"This study’s expanded IPBES model meets the call of the IPBES framework for addressing environmental discourse and resource understandings which naturalize categorical distinctions," wrote the paper's authors.
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Conceptual framework
2023-05-18
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New Research Argues Population Growth Is Not The Main Driver of Biodiversity Loss Based on IPBES Global Scientific Consensus

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Researchers have used IPBES Global Assessment and the Sustainable Use of Wild Species Assessment findings to illustrate how the belief that human population growth is the main cause of biodiversity is erroneous.

"...Inequitable consumption drives global biodiversity loss, whilst population is used to scapegoat responsibility. Instead, the responsibilities are clear and have recently been summarized by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services IPBES: Leverage points for biodiversity conservation lie in reducing unsustainable consumption through diet shifts, tracking supply chains, and technological innovation as well as ensuring sustainable production to reduce biodiversity losses associated with industrial agriculture," state the authors.

By examining the drivers of biodiversity loss in highly biodiverse countries, researchers argue that population growth is not the primary factor behind habitat loss. Instead, the growth of commodities for export, such as soybean and oil-palm, primarily for livestock feed or biofuel consumption in wealthier economies, plays a significant role. Inequitable consumption patterns drive global biodiversity loss, while population is often used as a scapegoat to shift responsibility.

The paper was published in the January 2023 (Volume 277) edition of the Biological Conservation journal.
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Sustainable use assessment, Global assessment (1st work programme)
2023-05-18
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