Strategies and tactics

The third plenary meeting of Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) started this weekend with two Stakeholder days. In these a large number of organizations met to get updated on the work of the platform and to seek coordination for the upcoming negotiations the coming week. The days were composed of many presentations (perhaps too many) and group discussions on the strategy and tactics for the Stakeholders in the upcoming negotiations. Overall the discussions were constructive and in an open and friendly atmosphere. It is clear that we all are in charge of setting the Stakeholder agenda.

From the SCB delegation we argued for several points important for securing the quality of the scientific output. This includes having a system for accepting scientific reports and the summary for policy makers that ensures the integrity of the experts involved. We also stressed the need for financial support to experts so that the most relevant experts can attend and contribute.

A joint open statement from the Stakeholders has been prepared which focus primarily on the topics related to the engagement of Stakeholders in general. We are pleased that SCB will give this statement during at the beginning of the plenary meeting.

We are looking forward to some exciting days in the service of getting this “Elephant” moving in the right direction.

On behalf of the SCB delegation at IPBES3
Bege Jonsson