The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem services, or IPBES abbreviated, is the biodiversity equivalent of the UN’s climate panel, the IPCC. The goal of the organisation is too strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of nature, plants and animals.
IPBES is an independent intergovernmental body, and is not subject to any international agreements or conventions. 137 nations are members of IPBES.
IPBES Four Functions
- Put together global knowledge assessments summarising the state of biodiversity, ecosystems, ecosystem services, endangered species and habitats, including of these are interlinked. This includes assessments on socioeconomic structure and models of transformative societal change.
- Develop tools, methods and strategies suitable to policy application.
- Develop capacity to manage issues and solutions connected to biodiversity.
- Identify areas in need of new research and science.
The IPBES Global Assessment on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
In May 2019, IPBES published the first global report about the state of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The report received a lot of attention for its sobering message. The situation is described as serious, more species than ever in human history are threatened by extinction and many ecosystems are experiencing rapid change. Calculation show that around half a million of todays 8 million species risk going extinct within a few decades if forceful measures are not put in to stop the negative development.
The report singles out five key drivers behind the loss:
- Degraded and ruined habitats due to changes in land and sea use
- Direct exploitation of organisms through fishing, agriculture and forestry
- Climate change
- Invasion of invasive species
- Pollution
The assessment report models different scenarios for the future. Only one scenario which describes a transformative change of society, makes possible the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services through the restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems.
The report suggests the following measures to reverse the loss:
- Fully implementing already existing global and regional environmental agreements and directives, like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and different EU directives such as the directives on habitats, water and marine environments.
- Removing perverse subsidies and incentives that are harmful to the environment.
- Increase economic incentives for behaviour with a positive impact on ecosystems.
The assessment report is based on approximately 15 000 scientific articles, three years of labour, and was written by over 400 experts. It has gone through two review processes with IPBES members, observers and other experts. The final report is 1800 pages long, with an additional 40 pages long summary for policymakers.
Films About Biodiversity
The SEPA has made three short films (in Swedish) based on the results of the global assessment report.
The films can be found on the SEPA’s YouTube-Channel.
The first film explains the state of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the world today, and why these are so important to human well-being.
The second film brings up the five direct drivers behind the loss of biodiversity.
The third film talks about some solutions on a national, regional and individual level that can help reverse the negative trend.
The films are also available to download to use freely to spread knowledge about biodiversity. The films are available with and without subtitles. There is also a separate text-file available:
Other IPBES Reports
In addition to the well-known global assessment report, IPBES has also published four regional reports and a number of thematic reports. The regional report on Europe and Central Asia includes Sweden. It states that our way of life and an unsustainable use of land and water is resulting in loss of species and threatening important ecosystem functions like pollination.
The SEPA aims to make the knowledge in IPBES reports and assessments available and relevant to Swedish actors by producing its own reports based on IPBES results, but highlighting Swedish perspectives.
- Platform on Biodiversity (swedish version)
Regional assessment reports
The regional assessment reports were published in 2018.
Thematic assessment reports
- Pollinators, pollination and food production (2016)
The report presents the global status and trends in pollinators and pollination and their relation to food production and human well-being.
- Scenarios and models (2016)
The report evaluates different scenarios and models to use in decision-making on biodiversity and human-nature relations.
- Land degradation and restoration (2018)
The report illustrates global escalations in land degredation due to land use change, pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity and drainage. Wetlands in particular have been affected. Calculations show that 54 percent of the world’s wetlands have disappeared due to development and agriculture.
EXPRESS EFFORTS – needs-based interventions
- Workshop report on biodiversity and pandemicc (2020)
A fast-tracked report based on several workshops about the connections between pandemics and loss of biodiversity. The report estimates that there are approximately 800 000 virus variants that could be transmitted from animals to humans. It identifies policy options to prevent new pandemics, including ways to reduce the negative effects of wildlife trade and land use changes.
Upcoming IPBES Assessment Reports
During 2022 and 2023 reports on the following themes will be presented:
- Invasive species
- The value of ecosystem services and natures contribution to people
- Sustainable use of wild species
Other upcoming reports will be about:
- Biodiversity and synergies between water, food and human health
- Factors enabling the achievement of transformative change
- The impact and dependence of business on biodiversity
Structure and Bonn Secretariat
IPBES is governed by a so-called plenary, a smaller administrative bureau and the Multidiciplinary Expertpanel (MEP). The members of MEP have diverse backgrounds, and include scientists, policy experts and representatives of different knowledge systems such as traditional systems. The secretariat of IPBES is situated in Bonn and receives support from various UN agencies, including the UNEP, the FAO, UNESCO, and the UNDP. Plenary meetings are usually held once every year.
Contact
The national focal point for IPBES in Sweden is Cecilia Lindblad, SEPA.
Email: cecilia.lindblad@naturvardsverket.se
Phone: 010-698 12 95