Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services or IPBES is an independent inter-governmental agency formed to reinforce the interface between science and policy for ecosystem and biodiversity services in order to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity, achieve long-term well-being for humans, and sustainable development.

A total of 94 governments established the IPBES on April 21, 2012, in Panama City. Any member of the UN can join this body. The organisation is dedicated to making IPBES as the pioneering inter-governmental body for evaluating earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems, and the basic services they provide to society.

This is an important topic from the IAS Exam perspective. Candidates preparing for the exam must refer to the objectives, structure and work programme of IPBES discussed further below in this article.

About IPBES

• It is an independent intergovernmental body to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development
• It is not a United Nations body. However, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides secretariat services to IPBES
• IPBES currently has 137 member States. Any State that is Member of the United Nations is eligible for IPBES membership

Objectives of IPBES

The role of Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services revolves around four areas:

1. Assessments – On specific themes; methodological issues; and at both the regional and global levels
2. Policy Support – Identifying policy-relevant tools and methodologies, facilitating their use, and catalyzing their further development
3. Building Capacity & Knowledge – Identifying and meeting the priority capacity, knowledge and data needs of our member states, experts and stakeholders
4. Communications & Outreach – Ensuring the widest reach and impact of our work

IPBES – Organisational Structure

Discussed below is the structure of the IPBES organisation:

• Plenary – It is the IPBES governing body that comprises representatives from member states
• Observers – states which are not a member, biodiversity-related conventions, relevant United Nations bodies and other organisation
• Bureau – Comprising the IPBES Chair, four Vice-Chairs and five additional officers who oversee the administrative functions
• Multidisciplinary Expert Panel – Five expert participants from each of the five UN regions
• Stakeholders – All the contributors
• Expert Groups & Taskforces – Selected scientists and knowledgeholders carrying out the IPBES assessments and other deliverables
• Secretariat – Led by the Executive Secretary of IPBES, Ensures the efficient functioning of the organisation

Conceptual Framework for Biodiversity and Ecosystems – IPBES

The Platform’s conceptual framework includes six interlinked elements constituting a social-ecological system that operates at various scales in time and space. This includes:

• Nature
• Nature’s benefits to people
• Anthropogenic assets
• Institutions and governance systems and other indirect drivers of change
• Direct drivers of change
• Good quality of life

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