CMS Family input for the scoping process of the Nexus Assessment

CMS Family input for the scoping process of the Nexus Assessment

Following IPBES Notification EM/2019/17 on Opportunity to provide early input to the scoping process of the IPBES nexus and transformative change assessments: Online conferences and the resulting first session of the online conference held on 30 September 2019, the CMS Family would like to provide the following inputs:

• According to the topic of priority a) of the Rolling Programme up to 2030 as approved by IPBES Plenary-7, the Nexus Assessment should focus on addressing the interlinkages among biodiversity, water, food and health and between biodiversity and climate change, with a view to informing the development of policies and actions. The Nexus assessment should also consider the role of connectivity in ensuring integrity and resilience in socioecological systems.

   

• On the interlinkages between water and biodiversity, due to the interwoven nature and unique features of water-related ecosystems such as wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes, ecological connectivity is key to assess their status and functionality.

   

• The conservation status and presence of selected key species, both aquatic as well as directly linked to aquatic ecosystems, such as migratory waterbirds, could be used as indicator to evaluate the status of health and quality of water ecosystems and water-related habitats.

   

• Migratory systems depend on the seasonality of ecological conditions, hence also species migrating in water ecosystems are at direct risk from climate change and other threats. An updated overview of the status and trends of a representative sample of migratory species in water systems could can help identify the level of such threats.

   

• Because migratory species also connect different water systems, they can be used as an indicator of the status of connectivity among various water ecosystems. (i.e. salmons connect rivers and oceans).

   

• In assessing the interlinkages between water-related systems and biodiversity, attention should also be given to the high seas and areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the Arctic. The huge component of water represented by areas beyond national jurisdiction poses special challenges in terms of sustainable use of natural resources and coordination of policies.

   

• The toxicity of wild aquatic and aquaculture species can reveal information on the status of health and quality of the related water system, food chains, and possible consequences/interlinkages with human health.