Media Release

Issued by the IPBES Secretariat on 11 May 2022

First Corporate Foundation to Fund IPBES Work: 
BNP Paribas Foundation Announces Contribution for Biodiversity Science and Policy   

• BNP Paribas announces non-earmarked financial contribution to the work of IPBES
• IPBES to host author meetings starting two new expert assessments this month  

Bonn, Germany – The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) today announced a financial contribution to its work on biodiversity science and policy by the BNP Paribas Foundation. The philanthropic arm of one of the biggest banking groups in the world has committed significant, non-earmarked support to IPBES. It is the first corporate foundation to do so.

Speaking about the announcement, Isabelle Giordano, Head of Group Philanthropy and General Delegate of the BNP Paribas Foundation, said, “Action for climate and preservation of biodiversity is at the heart of BNP Paribas' environmental and social commitment policy. To address this major challenge, the BNP Paribas Foundation has been very active since 2010 through its Climate & Biodiversity Initiative programme.”

“In the past, philanthropic activities have often focused primarily on social issues, and they have been able to effect positive change in many ways,” said Dr. Anne Larigauderie, Executive Secretary of IPBES. “So, it is exciting to see the science and policy of biodiversity now rising to a higher level of philanthropic priority. We all depend on a healthy planet, and with the right support we can really make a difference.”

"It is our conviction that collective action represents a concrete way to face present and future environmental challenges,” added Ms. Giordano. “Today we at the BNP Paribas Foundation are proud to announce our close collaboration with IPBES, one of the key stakeholders in these important issues.”

Including the contribution to IPBES, the BNP Paribas Foundation has pledged to mobilize a total of 6 million euros in financing for the protection of biodiversity and climate change, using the research and evidence from IPBES to help inform their actions and to better understand their impacts.

IPBES is currently working on a number of new expert assessments. This week in Montpellier, France, it is hosting the first author meeting of the new Transformative Change Assessment on the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, determinants of transformative change and options for achieving the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity. This will be followed, next week in Frankfurt, Germany, by the first author meeting for the Nexus Assessment, which analyzes the interlinkages among biodiversity, water, food and health.

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About IPBES:

IPBES is an independent intergovernmental body comprising 139 member Governments and many non-governmental observer organisations. Established by Governments in 2012, it provides policymakers with objective scientific assessments about the state of knowledge regarding the planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems and the contributions they make to people, as well as the tools and methods to protect and sustainably use these vital natural assets. For more information about IPBES and its assessments visit www.ipbes.net  

About the BNP Paribas Foundation:

Under the oversight of the Foundation of France, the BNP Paribas Foundation has been a major player in corporate philanthropy for 30 years. It is also encouraging and contributing to the BNP Paribas’ philanthropic policy growth in all parts of the world wherever the Bank operates. The BNP Paribas Foundation’s activities are aimed at multidisciplinary philanthropy, supporting innovative projects dedicated to culture, social inclusion and the environment. 

FOR ENQUIRIES & INTERVIEWS:

IPBES: [email protected]        

BNP Paribas press office: [email protected]