How SCB Can Help IPBES?

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is slowly taking shape. A first session of a plenary meeting aiming to operationalize IPBES was held in Nairobi in October 2011. The task is to set up IPBES so that it becomes an important process, linking best available knowledge to political processes forming conservation policy. SCB as a leading learned society in the area of conservation needs to seriously consider its role and contribution to IPBES. A first step was taken when an ad-hoc committee on IPBES was formed in 2009. With representatives from all sections it has followed the process and participated in recent meetings, including the first IPBES plenary two months ago.

The current challenge for IPBES is to get the best science onboard and create a sense of common ownership with the scientific community. This is an ongoing process that SCB need to support by:

• -        Monitoring the formal process and participate in upcoming meetings
• -        Making strong links to the regional sections and support their involvement
• -        Seeking representation in the IPBES plenary and its executive body
• -        Developing and updating its expert of rooster with the needs of IPBES in focus
• -        Providing updated information to our membership and the scientific community at large on IPBES and its needs

If successfully established and operationalized, IPBES will open new ways for SCB to contribute to better conservation policy. With our regional structure, established policy committees and the wide expertise in our membership we can play a significant role on the science side of this new science – policy interface. Let’s do so!

Bengt-Gunnar Jonsson