Filter submissions
435 submissions
# Operations Changed User Informative Title/Headline (English only) Language(s) of Evidence of Impact Description of Impact(s) (English Only) Type(s) of Impact(s) Generated (English Only) Other impact Source Other source Link to Information – where available Link to Information – where available: Link Title Link to Information – where available: Link URL Other deliverable/element Start date of 'Implementation' End date of 'Implementation' Economic value of impact (currency) Economic value of impact (amount) Scale of impact Region of Impact Country/Countries of Impact State/Province Supporting Document(s) Is this a private sector impact? Salutation First name Last name Institution Position/Title IPBES Role (If Any) Other role Your contact email Phone Number
593
View
 Wed, 22/11/2023 Fernando Neda Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability Publishes Special Journal Issue Focused on IPBES Values Assessment English (396) The October 2023 edition (Volume 64) of the journal Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability was published as a special issue focusing on the IPBES Values Assessment, with 15 articles exploring nature’s values, transformative change and sustainability, and other related themes.

In it's Editorial Overview titled "Leveraging the multiple values of nature for transformative change to just and sustainable futures — Insights from the IPBES Values Assessment," the authors state: "This special issue draws on the IPBES Values Assessment published in 2022 and engages with key questions about the role of values and valuation of nature for transformative change towards more just and sustainable futures. The special issue presents papers that review topics about how to conceptualise value diversity and undertake valuation to guide decisions geared towards transformative change. It also focuses on how power, justice and socio-environmental conflicts intersect with nature’s values, and the role of diverse values in conservation and development policy instruments."

The "Values for transformative change: The IPBES approach" special edition was edited by Unai Pascual, Patricia Balvanera and Mike Christie - the three co-Chairs of the IPBES Assessment.
New article Print Article Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability - Values for transformative change: The IPBES approach Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability - Values for transformative change: The IPBES approach https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877343523001069?dgcid=author 2023-09-19 Global public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
594
View
 Mon, 27/11/2023 Fernando Neda Japan's Environment Ministry Hosts International Webinar on Invasive Alien Species and the IPBES Assessment Report English (396) While holding the G7 presidency, the Government of Japan, through its Ministry of Environment, highlighted the need to address invasive alien species and provided a space to exchange views during an international webinar it hosted on 5 October 2023.

With the participation of the IPBES Executive Secretary, as well as the co-chairs of the IPBES Thematic Assessment of Invasive Alien Species and their Control, the webinar delved into major topics around IAS issues, including the key messages of the summary for policymakers of the IPBES IAS report and how it can be utilized for achieving Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The speakers also shared their experiences at the national/regional/global levels toward the achievement of the global target and discussed necessary actions to enhance international cooperation and private sector engagement. Among the speakers were the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research.

Recording available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WNPqJVpTpw		 New/changed action/initiative Website Announcement of international webinar on invasive alien species Announcement of international webinar on invasive alien species https://www.env.go.jp/en/press/press_01959.html#:~:text=The%20Ministry%20of%20the%20Environment,Framework%20on%20October%205%2C%202023. 2023-10-05 Global Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
595
View
 Mon, 27/11/2023 Fernando Neda Directly Citing IPBES Report on Invasive Alien Species, Australian Commits $2.2m to Reduce Threat of Buffel Grass English (396) "The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has recognised buffel grass’s potential to completely take over arid ecosystems, forcing out native plant and animal species," said the South Australian government as it announced that the state's Landscape Priorities Fund and the Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board (AWLB) will jointly contribute more than $2.2M to a multi-agency buffel grass program.

"The IPBES’s Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control has been welcomed by the South Australian Government and the Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board (AWLB), which has led the fight against buffel grass in remote parts of the state for more than a decade," read the press release issued by the entities. The organizations stated that "buffel grass is a threat to remote Indigenous communities in Australia because it causes heightened fire risk, damage to cultural sites, and a reduction in the ability to pass on cultural knowledge to the next generation," and that "left unmanaged, the weed poses a threat to grazing and cropping systems because it spreads quickly in hotter, stormier weather."

Dr. Ellen Ryan-Colton, South Australian contributor to IPBES report, said "IPBES is at the forefront of including Indigenous knowledge in their reporting and recognising the effects on human communities." Likewise, Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board Chair Mick Haynes said, "the IPBES report is encouraging, especially the mention of the impact such invasive species have on the wellbeing and quality of life of human populations."		 New/changed commitment Website $2.2M for fight against buffel grass as new international report warns of its threat to communities and the environment $2.2M for fight against buffel grass as new international report warns of its threat to communities and the environment https://www.premier.sa.gov.au/media-releases/news-items/$2.2m-for-fight-against-buffel-grass-as-new-international-report-warns-of-its-threat-to-communities-and-the-environment 2023-09-14 AUD $2.2 million National Asia-Pacific Australia South Australia public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
598
View
 Wed, 22/11/2023 Fernando Neda Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Launches New Task Group to Respond to Challenges and Recommendations Outlined by IPBES IAS Report English (396) GBIF, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, an international network and data infrastructure funded by the world's governments and aimed at providing open access to data, announced the launch of a new task group to address data challenges revealed by the IPBES Invasive Species Assessment Report, including national needs for tracking progress toward reducing impacts of invasive alien species

"The task group recommended by the GBIF Science Committee, and endorsed by the GBIF Executive Committee will review recent developments in the science-policy interface relating to invasive alien species, and recommend actions for GBIF that will best address the needs of data users. These developments include not just the IPBES Assessment but also the needs of governments to track progress towards Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), relating to preventing or reducing the introduction and establishment of invasive alien species," stated the organization via a press release. 		New/changed action/initiative Website GBIF ramps up support of information needed to tackle invasive alien species GBIF ramps up support of information needed to tackle invasive alien species https://www.gbif.org/news/5z5ZYdbhG5CznrQjTZdKg7/gbif-ramps-up-support-of-information-needed-to-tackle-invasive-alien-species 2023-09-11 Global public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
599
View
 Wed, 22/11/2023 Fernando Neda Researchers use IPBES Indirect Drivers of Change to Identify Underlying Causes of Biodiversity Loss in Scotland English (396) A new report led by The James Hutton Institute and commissioned by NatureScot (Scotland's Nature Agency), points to factors which are indirectly contributing to nature loss in Scotland including culture, education, demography, economy, political systems and technology.

The report follows the framework of the 2019 IPBES Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and its definitions of the indirect drivers. The paper summarizes the description of these drivers given in the IPBES report, transposing these to the Scottish situation with relevant evidence presented to support this transposition and identify potential levers of change.

The report presents a critical assessment of the status and trends of the natural world, the social implications of these trends, their direct and indirect causes, and actions that can be taken to ensure a better future for all. The report identifies ways to reduce the impacts of some of these contributing factors to help move towards a future where humans live more in harmony with nature. Government, public bodies, schools, businesses, individuals and communities are highlighted as having a lead role to play. Recommendations include that policy makers and businesses move away from measuring performance based on levels of production and consumption and focus more on regenerative uses of the land and sea as part of a sustainable, circular economy.

The report also makes extensive use of knowledge published in the IPBES Assessment of Scenarios and Models of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, as well as the IPBES Assessment on the Diverse Values and Valuation of Nature.		 New/changed research project Website NatureScot Research Report 1309 - Understanding the Indirect Drivers of Biodiversity Loss in Scotland NatureScot Research Report 1309 - Understanding the Indirect Drivers of Biodiversity Loss in Scotland https://www.nature.scot/doc/naturescot-research-report-1309-understanding-indirect-drivers-biodiversity-loss-scotland 2023-08-31 National Europe and Central Asia United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Scotland public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
601
View
 Wed, 22/11/2023 Fernando Neda Scientists Use Nature Futures Framework and IPBES Science to Explore Desirable Futures for the High Seas English (396) Through a series of workshops outlined in a new research paper, scientists undertook "a futures thinking process that could use the Nature Futures Framework [NFF] as a mechanism to bring more transformative energy into how humans conceptualise the high seas and therefore how we aim to govern the ocean."

Published in the July 2023 edition of the Marine Policy journal, the study found that "engaging with the future through science fiction narratives allowed a more radical appreciation of what could be and infusing science with artistic elements can inspire audiences beyond academia."

The study also references the IPBES Global Assessment (2019) and the IPBES Scoping Report for the Transformative Change Assessment. "Recognising the need for more pluralistic, transformative and positive scenarios for nature, the IPBES task force on scenarios and models developed the NFF for use in research and governance processes that require a sense of what potential futures could be possible, even the more radical," wrote the authors.

"Operationalizing the NFF in the high seas provides a key, timely case study for examining the need for transformative change, the role of envisioning futures, how transformative change can occur and the process of rolling out transformative change. This output could feed directly into the ongoing IPBES assessment of the underlying causes of biodiversity loss and the determinants of transformative change and options for achieving the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity," they continued. 		New/changed research project Website The living infinite: Envisioning futures for transformed human-nature relationships on the high seas The living infinite: Envisioning futures for transformed human-nature relationships on the high seas https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X23001719 2023-05-10 Global public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
603
View
 Mon, 27/11/2023 Fernando Neda Researchers Operationalize IPBES Nature Futures Framework to Catalyze Development of Nature-Future Scenarios English (396) Members of the IPBES task force on scenarios and models have provided an example of how the Nature Futures Framework can be implemented for the development of illustrative narratives representing a diversity of desirable nature futures: information that can be used to assess and develop scenarios and models whilst acknowledging the underpinning value perspectives on nature.

To explore the interdependence between narratives, and therefore their potential to be translated into scenarios and models, six narratives developed were assessed around three areas of the transformative change debate, specifically, (1) land sparing vs. land sharing, (2) Half Earth vs. Whole Earth conservation, and (3) green growth vs. post-growth economic development.

The paper concludes with an assessment of how the Nature Futures Framework could be used to assist in developing and articulating transformative pathways towards desirable nature futures.

The article is part of the Sustainability Science journal's Special Feature: Operationalizing the Nature Futures Framework to Catalyze the Development of Nature-Future Scenarios.
 New/changed research project Print Article Bringing the Nature Futures Framework to life: creating a set of illustrative narratives of nature futures Bringing the Nature Futures Framework to life: creating a set of illustrative narratives of nature futures https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11625-023-01316-1 2023-05-04 Global public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
604
View
 Tue, 06/02/2024 Fernando Neda Directly Citing IPBES Report, G7 Workshop Agrees on Importance of Measures to Control & Prevent Spread of Invasive Alien Species English (396) At a G7 workshop held in Japan from 20 to 22 November 2023, government officials discussed the need to control Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and agreed to strengthen international cooperation on this issue, based primarily on the IPBES Invasive Alien Species Assessment Report.

Informed by an international webinar held in April 2023, as well as consultations with other governments, relevant international organizations and stakeholders held on the sidelines of the 25th meeting of the CBD’s Subsidiary Body for Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), officials agreed to incorporate national invasive species strategies and action plans (NISSAPs) and/or IAS components of the national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) in their respective countries.

The G7 officials acknowledged the value of the findings of the IPBES IAS Assessment Report and other relevant outputs of IPBES to encourage IAS-related discussions, recognizing that options exist to prevent the transport, introduction, establishment and spread of IAS, as well as to minimize their negative impacts, as reflected in the IPBES IAS report.

In their statement, the officials agreed to:

- Promote global, regional, and bilateral collaborations to (1) facilitate exchange of information including data, knowledge and experiences; (2) promote policy dialogue among countries on addressing IAS, including by stressing the importance of integrating biosecurity measures at international, national, and sub-national levels; and (3) develop/promote regional scale actions especially in relation to prevention, biosecurity measures and pathways.

- Strengthen scientific research, global databases and information systems, including enhancing decision support tools for identification and prioritization of IAS, pathways of introduction, and sites through horizon scanning, assessment of the magnitude of impacts, risk analysis, and other methods, as well as building evidence and increasing understanding of IAS, their impacts and management options.

- Promote outreach and mainstreaming through a whole-of-government and whole-of- society approach by generating awareness and education, working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and engaging the private sector, among other notable initiatives.

- Among several capacity building actions, the officials committed to using the IPBES IAS Assessment Report and available tools and guidance of the CBD and other organizations to help support their efforts.

The group intends to hold annual in-person or online meetings of relevant experts/officials to follow-up on the processes, as well as share information, experience and progress on their work at least every two years, with particular emphasis on progress towards achieving Target 6 of the GBF by 2030.

Recordings of the various sessions and consultations are available here: https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/gairai_inter-conf_2023.html
 New/changed policy Website Enhancing international cooperation on measures against invasive alien species Enhancing international cooperation on measures against invasive alien species https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/gairai_inter-conf_2023.html 2023-11-22 Global Cross-regional Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
605
View
 Mon, 27/11/2023 Fernando Neda Building on IPBES Science, Researchers Identify Four Areas to Strengthen Sustainable Wildlife Trade English (396) A new paper published in the September 2023 edition of the Journal of Environmental Management has identified four core areas that must be strengthened for a better approach to wildlife trade and monitoring.

Titled "Determining the sustainability of legal wildlife trade," in the study, authors highlight the finding from the 2019 IPBES Global Assessment that exploitation of wildlife is the second greatest threat to global diversity and its vital contributions to people.

The authors provide 183 examples showing unsustainable trade in a broad range of taxonomic groups and calling for enacting changes in regulatory frameworks, deeming them "essential to the continued survival of many threatened species." These are: (1) rigorous data collection and analyses of populations; (2) linking trade quotas to IUCN and international accords; (3) improved databases and compliance of trade; and (4) enhanced understanding of trade bans, market forces, and species substitutions.

"Given that wildlife exploitation is a major driver of biodiversity loss (IPBES et al., 2019), demand-related information is urgently required to determine sustainability," cited the authors. 		New article Website Determining the sustainability of legal wildlife trade Determining the sustainability of legal wildlife trade https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479723007752 2023-09-01 Global public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
608
View
 Thu, 30/11/2023 Fernando Neda IPBES Science at Heart of Guardian Newspaper's Initiative to Include Biodiversity Amongst its Editorial Priorities English (396) The influential UK-based Guardian newspaper updated its editorial climate pledge to include nature and biodiversity. For this major editorial revision, and intending to ensure that biodiversity is also placed at the heart of their work in the way that climate was a few years back, the publication launched a large news feature. The reports focuses on what the world might look like in 2050 if we do not take the necessary action on biodiversity.

The article concentrates on the five main drivers of biodiversity loss identified by IPBES: land and sea use change, direct exploitation of natural resources, climate change, pollution and invasive species. As such, The Guardian requested perspectives from IPBES experts from different backgrounds, geographies and genders.

IPBES science, particularly from the 2019 Global Assessment and the 2023 Invasive Alien Species Assessment, was not only cited in the article, but it led Guardian to commission it, marking the newspaper's commitment to including biodiversity and related issues amongst its editorial priorities.

IPBES authors and/or experts quoted in the news piece include Sandra Diaz, Emma Archer, Anibal Pauchard, Hanno Seebens, Peter Stoett, Unai Pascual, Jean-Marc Fromentin, Josef Settele and Eduardo Brondizio.
 New/changed commitment Website The age of extinction. ‘A biodiversity catastrophe’: how the world could look in 2050 – unless we act now The age of extinction. ‘A biodiversity catastrophe’: how the world could look in 2050 – unless we act now https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/29/a-biodiversity-catastrophe-how-the-world-could-look-in-2050-unless-we-act-now-aoe 2023-11-29 National Europe and Central Asia United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland private Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
609
View
 Wed, 06/12/2023 Fernando Neda In New Paper, Authors Point to IPBES Work as they Call for Integrated Policy Approaches and Solutions to Solve Climate and Biodiversity Crises Together German (435) In a new article published in the German journal Ecological Economy, authors Alexandra Dehnhardt and Josef Settele argue that so far, climate and biodiversity protection have largely been dealt with in separate political domains, and that both crises can only be solved together.

“Climate change and the biodiversity crisis can only be overcome together ,” emphasize Dehnhardt and Settele in their in-depth article. How can the two policy areas work better together? A first step was the joint workshop by the World Biodiversity Council IPBES and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC 2020. Both bodies believe a profound change is necessary - for example through development paths such as degrowth, green economy or nature protection.

The authors quote the IPBES Global Assessment (2019), the IPBES Values Assessment, and the IPBES-IPCC Joint Workshop Report in the publication. 		New article Website Klimawandel und Biodiversität – neue Ausgabe »Ökologisches Wirtschaften« Klimawandel und Biodiversität – neue Ausgabe »Ökologisches Wirtschaften« https://www.ioew.de/news/article/klimawandel-und-biodiversitaet-neue-ausgabe-oekologisches-wirtschaften 2023-12-04 National Europe and Central Asia Germany public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
610
View
 Wed, 06/12/2023 Fernando Neda To Strengthen Assessments of Freshwater Ecosystems, Researchers Employ IPBES Nature Futures Framework English (396) A new article published in the Sustainability Science journal explores how the Nature Futures Framework (NFF) may be implemented for improved assessment of freshwater ecosystems. In the article, researchers outline how the NFF and its main value perspectives can be translated to freshwater systems and explore what desirable freshwater futures would look like from three perspectives (Nature for Nature, Nature for Society, and Nature as Culture).

Second, they also review scenario strategies and current models to examine how freshwater modelling can be linked to the NFF in terms of its aims and outcomes. In doing so, authors aimed to identify which aspects of the NFF framework are not yet captured in current freshwater models and suggest possible ways to bridge them.

"We believe that the knowledge gaps that exist should be bridged by mobilising existing freshwater research communities and projects to model nature futures for freshwater ecosystems. We see the development of the Nature Futures Framework under IPBES as an opportunity for freshwater modelling communities from across the world to strengthen the representation of freshwater nature and biodiversity in global environmental governance," wrote the authors, extensively building on IPBES science throughout the publication.

"Current freshwater ecosystem models can represent Nature for Nature, partially represent Nature for Society, and represent limited or indirect aspects of Nature as Culture," they concluded. 		New article Website New paths for modelling freshwater nature futures New paths for modelling freshwater nature futures https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11625-023-01341-0#Sec1 2023-07-03 Global public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
611
View
 Wed, 06/12/2023 Fernando Neda Science from IPBES Pollination Report at Heart of New Global 'Trillion Bees' Coalition to Develop Projects and Actions to Protect Pollinators English (396) A new global coalition is coming together with a mission to raise awareness to reverse biodiversity loss and save our planet’s pollinators. To be presented for the first time at COP28 in Dubai this December, the new global coalition Trillion Bees is inviting businesses, organisations and industry leaders to join its mission and ‘Bee The Change’ to help protect the world’s pollinators.

The network aims to be a new global coalition and unified force of science-led individuals, businesses and organisations committed to raising awareness and driving behaviour change to create a world where pollinators thrive, in order to sustain healthy ecosystems and secure the wellbeing of people and nature.

"Over the next 7 years, we’re set to engage and mobilise over 2 billion people worldwide, and aim to raise over $1 billion dollars to support nature restoration and transformative projects to save our pollinators," the Coalition has pledged.

Trillion Bees is a science-led initiative supported by a scientific advisory board of some of the world’s leading scientists, chaired by Professor Simon Potts (co-Chair IPBES Pollination Assessment). The board is currently developing the Theory of Change (a methodology of projects and expected outcomes), which is based on the IPBES [Pollinators] Assessment Report and decisions adopted by the UN Biodiversity Conference COP13, and will be the organisation’s north star for action.

More information is available at https://www.milkywire.com/bee-the-change		 New/changed network Website Trillion Bees Coalition Launches at COP28 Trillion Bees Coalition Launches at COP28 https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/events-and-conferences/trillion-bees-coalition-launches-at-cop28-k34v348a 2023-12-06 Global private Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
612
View
 Tue, 12/12/2023 Fernando Neda Elaborating on IPBES Nature Futures Framework to Enhance Social Equity of Biodiversity Conservation for Indigenous Peoples English (396) A new perspective paper published in the journal Biological Conversation proposes a scenario titled “Rights for Life” to achieve biodiversity targets "in a socially-equitable ways by focusing on the Nature's and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) rights."

Building on the IPBES Nature Futures Framework, the authors "contribute to understanding of governance aspects in positive nature-based future scenarios by considering what kinds of governance approaches could be used to achieve the 'Rights for Life' scenario in a way that is able to balance between the value perspectives of 'Nature for Nature', 'Nature for Society', and 'Nature as Culture'."

Also citing the IPBES Global Assessment and preliminary work for the IPBES Values Assessment, the authors note that "IPBES (2019) has recognized the need to enhance social equity for IPLCs, and that among the local indicators developed and used by indigenous peoples and local communities, 72 % show negative trends in nature that underpin local livelihoods and human well-being."

The authors recommend linking to future policy-relevant scenario exercises conducted by applying the Nature Futures Framework and the three value perspectives, as well as recognizing IPLCs' and Nature's rights explicitly in policies and laws to enable transformation towards sustainability. 		New article Website “Rights for Life” scenario to reach biodiversity targets and social equity for indigenous peoples and local communities “Rights for Life” scenario to reach biodiversity targets and social equity for indigenous peoples and local communities https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320723000587?via%3Dihub 2023-03-01 Global public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
613
View
 Tue, 12/12/2023 Fernando Neda Asset Management Company Mirova's Social Impact Strategy Influenced by IPBES Science English (396) Asset management company Mirova has pledged to focus on the social impacts of its land investments around the world through a sustainable land management-dedicated strategy. Mirova offers investment solutions that combine financial performance with environmental and social impact. The newly launched Mirova Sustainable Land Fund 2 (MSLF2) has the goal of raising €350 million (US$377.8 million) over a four-to-five year period from public bodies and institutional investors. It will invest in agroforestry, sustainable forestry, and regenerative agriculture projects in developing countries.

In its April 2023 report, "Mirova for Nature: Progress report on our roadmap in favour of biodiversity #2," the organization references science published in the IPBES Global Assessment (2019) and IPBES-IPCC Co-sponsored Workshop report, writing: "For Mirova, quick action by the financial sector is required well before regulations are enforced everywhere: divestment of impactful activities such as intensive agriculture & forestry, investment in nature-positive activities such as nature-based solutions and activities that reduce the five direct anthropogenic pressure drivers defined by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)– changes in land and sea use; direct exploitation of organisms; climate change; pollution; and invasion of alien species –, but also simulation of corporates impacts to support investment decisions in the absence of sufficient data and engagement with companies to direct their climate fundings towards land-use projects in the context of net-zero commitments."

"Evaluating positive impact also requires evaluation of the business-as-usual and sustainability scenario for each of the five pressure drivers on biodiversity defined by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)... Mirova leverages collaborative engagement to encourage companies in most material sectors to accelerate the transition towards deployment of processes and development of products that mitigate negative impacts in supply chain and improve positive impact based on reduced IPBES pressures of an activity as compared to a baseline," continued the organization.

"Mirova excludes activities that are most harmful to biodiversity. Globally a few activities have been identified as most harmful to biodiversity because they are the main root cause of the IPBES pressures drivers. Mirova has already
published its controversial activity list on the topic of climate change and intends to update it with new exclusions related to land use and pollution, including notably deforestation-linked agricultural commodities, chemicals and plastics," the entity pledged. 		New/changed commitment Website Social Impacts Core to Mirova Land Fund as Market Matures Social Impacts Core to Mirova Land Fund as Market Matures https://www.esginvestor.net/social-impacts-core-to-mirova-land-fund-as-market-matures/ 2023-12-07 Global private Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
614
View
 Wed, 13/12/2023 Fernando Neda US Senate Resolution Introduced that Highlights IPBES Science and Amplifies Call for National Biodiversity Strategy English (396) Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a non-binding resolution in the U.S. Senate to establish a National Biodiversity Strategy. The resolution would express the need for the United States to establish a national biodiversity
strategy to protect species biodiversity. Such a strategy would encourage federal agencies to identify and pursue a full range of actions within existing laws and policies while encouraging the consideration of new ones, as well as establish a new four-year assessment to monitor the progress in addressing the biodiversity crisis.

The resolution notes that "whereas the United States should play a leading role on the international stage in addressing the biodiversity crisis, yet the United States... (3) does not have a national biodiversity strategy as
part of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services."

The resolution references IPBES science published in the 2019 Global Assessment, stating that "whereas recent scientific studies have shown that human driven threats have harmed biodiversity by (1) threatening approximately 1,000,000 species with imminent or near extinction." It also makes references to scientific evidence on the decline of wild species, the need to control threats posed by invasive species, as well as drivers of biodiversity loss.

Over 120 organizations endorsed the resolution. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Senator Merkley in sponsoring the resolution.
New/changed law/regulation Website Merkley Leads Senate Action Calling for a National Strategy to Defend Biodiversity Merkley Leads Senate Action Calling for a National Strategy to Defend Biodiversity https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-leads-senate-action-calling-for-a-national-strategy-to-defend-biodiversity/ 2023-12-12 National Americas United States of America public Fernando Neda IPBES PIA Secretariat: Bonn [email protected]
491
View
 Thu, 15/09/2022 Anonymous BES-Net at UNCCD COP 15 Reaffirms UNDP's Commitment to the Findings of IPBES's Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration English (396) Land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change are pressing issues that burden ecosystems worldwide. The fifteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was organized on 9–20 May 2022 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to discuss these issues.

As part of UNCCD COP 15, BES-Net and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hosted an event titled “Land Restoration for People and Planet: UNDP Ecosystem Restoration Promise” on 17 May in honour of the Rio Conventions Pavilion’s Land Restoration Day. UNDP reaffirmed its determination to support international and collective action through a global network of initiatives, including BES-Net, such that countries help each other build restoration capacities to scale.

UNDP representatives and speakers from Cameroon, Malawi and Kazakhstan discussed land restoration efforts in their respective countries. The messages they brought to the table grieved the land that has been lost but also reported on the inspiring work being done through the BES Solution Fund in support of the findings of IPBES's Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration.

The Cameroon team introduced the country’s land restoration efforts, observing that despite the diversity of the country’s climate, land degradation is a phenomenon that affects the entire nation. Nevertheless, Cameroon has several goals and many programmes in place to meet them to achieve land degradation neutrality (LDN), particularly the protection of the country’s mangroves and the reduction of 75 per cent of the exploitation of land by agriculture.

The Malawi team shared the country’s Green Corps initiative, which targets youth to get involved in achieving LDN. The programme funds and trains young people to participate in land restoration and waste management efforts. Additionally, the programme provides the Government with opportunities to live up to its commitment of offering more employment for its youth. The programme also embodies the event’s themes of collectivity and togetherness: 45% of the youth chosen to be part of the Corps are women and, in the future, the initiative aims to achieve gender parity so that no youth who wants to participate in the programme experiences barriers due to their gender.

Finally, the Kazakhstan team discussed the impact of climate change on land degradation in the Aral Sea region. The area has seen overnight low temperatures and overall winter temperatures rising. However, researchers in Kazakhstan have recently partnered with BES-Net to investigate ways to reverse these troubling trends and return productivity to the area’s soils. The project emphasizes a grassroots approach, utilizing key insights from farmers, other land users and local knowledge holders to inform decisions and actions. Most importantly, the project is working directly with vulnerable groups and being mindful of the gendered impacts of land degradation in its work to bring LDN to the Aral Sea region.		 New/changed commitment Website Fertile Ground for the Future: BES-Net at UNCCD COP 15’s Land Restoration Day Fertile Ground for the Future: BES-Net at UNCCD COP 15’s Land Restoration Day https://www.besnet.world/bes-net-at-unccd-cop15-land-restoration-day/ 2022-05-09 Multi-organizational/network Cross-regional Cameroon, Kazakhstan, Malawi public Mrs. Alice Fogliata Cresswell BES-Net (UNDP) Online Platforms Officer Stakeholder [email protected]
488
View
 Wed, 14/09/2022 Anonymous Viet Nam Launched its First National Ecosystem Assessment Report Building on IPBES Assessment Methodology English (396) Viet Nam’s diverse and vital ecosystems are slowly being pushed to the brink for socioeconomic development. At the launch of Viet Nam’s national ecosystem assessment in early 2022, experts emphasized the urgent need to reconcile biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection across all economic and social development policies to ensure a sustainable future for Viet Nam.

The assessment, which began in 2018, is the first of its kind in Viet Nam, establishing a sound knowledge and evidence base on biodiversity, building on the global assessment undertaken by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and IPBES assessment methodology. The assessment helps connect scientists to practitioners and policymakers in the country and will play a critical role in informing policymaking.

The findings from the assessment are currently being used for the formulation of national policies such as the National Strategy on Environment Protection (to 2030 and a vision to 2050) and the National Strategy on Biodiversity Conservation (2021–2030). They are also contributing to Viet Nam’s sixth national report to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

The assessment findings will be shared with different stakeholders, mobilizing support and action to translate its recommendations into policy and practice. To this end, Viet Nam is also one of the first countries to receive the BES Solution Fund, BES-Net’s catalytic fund for implementing tangible, evidence-based, on-the-ground biodiversity solutions. This support will go towards building visibility for the assessment and promoting key findings in decision-making.		 New/changed research project Website Viet Nam’s First National Ecosystem Assessment Warns of Steady Biodiversity Loss Upending the Economy Viet Nam’s First National Ecosystem Assessment Warns of Steady Biodiversity Loss Upending the Economy https://www.besnet.world/viet-nam-first-national-ecosystem-assessment-warns-steady-biodiversity-loss/ 2022-02-16 National Asia-Pacific Viet Nam public Mrs. Alice Fogliata Cresswell BES-Net (UNDP) Online Platforms Manager Stakeholder [email protected]
489
View
 Wed, 14/09/2022 Anonymous Guided by IPBES Assessment Methodology Ethiopia Has Validated its National Ecosystem Assessment English (396) Ethiopia’s national ecosystem assessment, in the works since 2017 and launched in early 2022, represents an important milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services. It was guided directly by the IPBES assessment methodology.

In May 2022, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute – which was leading the country’s assessment – and the Sub-Global Assessment Network, co-hosted a webinar celebrating Ethiopia’s assessment validation, highlighting the achievements and impact of the country’s findings to support national decision-making. Since Ethiopia’s national ecosystem assessment started, the country has been working on identifying opportunities and entry points for mainstreaming the assessment findings into the relevant policies and processes. The country will now move onto the fourth and final stage of the assessment process: the use of the assessment findings.

In line with the development of its post-2020 biodiversity framework, Ethiopia will incorporate the findings of its national ecosystem assessment into the relevant policies and processes, and implementing sectors will be assigned for the plan period of the framework. UNDP will also support Ethiopia in the use of assessment findings, through the catalytic BES Solution Fund, managed by UNDP through the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net).		 New/changed research project Website Ethiopia Prepares to Incorporate its Ecosystem Assessment Findings into National Policies and Processes Ethiopia Prepares to Incorporate its Ecosystem Assessment Findings into National Policies and Processes https://www.besnet.world/ethiopia-to-incorporate-assessment-findings-into-national-policies/ 2022-04-27 National Africa Ethiopia public Mrs. Alice Fogliata Cresswell BES-Net (UNDP) Online Platforms Manager Stakeholder [email protected]
560
View
 Mon, 24/04/2023 Levon Armenia Developing National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan Drawing Directly from IPBES Assessment Reports English (396) Aremnia is currently in the process of developing and adopting its National Biodivrsity Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2033. According to Dr. Levon Aghasyan, the IPBES National Focal Point for Armenia, and Legal Advisor to the Minister of Environment, the NBSAP draws direclty on a number of published IPBES Assessment Reports, especially the Regional Assessment Report for Europe and Central Asia. New/changed law/regulation Other https://biodiversity.am/en/get-involved https://biodiversity.am/en/get-involved 2023-03-01 National Europe and Central Asia Armenia private Mr. Levon Aghasyan Ministry of Environment of Armenia Legal advisor of Ministry of Environment of Armenia IPBES National focal point [email protected] +37494134949