MEP nominations for IPBES9
This page only lists nominations that have been submitted by national focal points: https://ipbes.net/national-focal-points
Please note that it can take up to 48 hours for nominations to be reviewed and published.
| Nominated by | Name | Gender | Affiliation | Curriculum vitae | Why is this individual particularly suited for the role? | Nomination date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | Prof. Mohammed Sghir TALEB | Male | Scientific Institute, Mohammed V University in Rabat | CV_mohammed sghir_taleb.pdf | He is already a member of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel. He has well represented Morocco by doing his work within the MEP. This is why Morocco proposes to renew him for another term. | 22 December 2021 |
| Nigeria | Dr. Aliyu Barau | Male | Bayero University Kano, Kano state, Nigeria | CV_aliyu_barau.pdf | Nominee is an experienced Associate Professor in Environmental Sustainability with track records in Biodiversity and Climate change research engagements and proven experience and expertise required for membership of the MEP. He has contributed towards research agenda in Nigeria and globally through many engagements with the association of commonwealth Universities, the UN environment IUCN, UNFCCC, IPBES among others. He has a wealth of research work and reviews to his credit and is passionate about innovative ideations that link science and policy through planning and research. | 22 January 2022 |
| Tunisia | Dr. Hekma ACHOUR | Female | IUCN - PPI-OSCAN 3 Small Initiatives Program for Civil Society Organizations of North Africa | CV_hekma _achour.pdf | Ms Hekma ACHOUR, Tunisian Citizen, Hold a PhD in International Water Law, she deepened knowledges in various legal matters, specifically International Water Law that focuses on the water resources governance principles. The long-term work she made has required immense efforts to analyze, collect and cross-check data by drawing legal resources and databases of the eleven countries sharing the Nile Water. In addition to her academic experience, as a National Coordinator of PPI-OSCAN (IUCN-Med) and many other Projects Manager, Ms Hekma Achour strengthened her skills in project management (technical, financial, communication levels). That allowed her to develop a professional networking in both public and private institutions and organizations within several areas. This experience helped her to master communication tools (social media, event dissemination and workshop organization) and to facilitate coordination between civial society and public entities in their projects emplementation and the share of scientifis khowledge and data collected. |
24 January 2022 |
| Ghana | Prof. Christopher Gordon | Male | University of Ghana | CV_christopher_gordon.pdf | Prof Chris Gordon is an Environmental Scientist with many years of experience as a limnologist and aquatic resource management advisor. He has extensive knowledge of ecosystem functioning and conservation in the various ecosystems with special focus on coastal, wetland and freshwater systems. Prof Gordon has played an active role in the development of policies and strategies on environmental issues particualrly climate change and the biodiversity conservation. He has led the development and implementation of various environmental related projects, and has worked both natioanlly and internationaly on various committes. He has considerable experience in analysing and reviewing documents | 1 February 2022 |
| Zambia | Dr. Felix Kanungwe Kalaba | Male | Copperbelt University | CV_felix _kanungwe kalaba.pdf | Following his academic and working experiences as shown on his CV | 25 February 2022 |
| Malawi | Dr. John Kazembe | Male | University Lecturer | CV_john_kazembe.pdf | John Kazembe is very hard working and passionate in biodiversity conservation and has vast knowledge and understanding on the IPBES conceptual framework. He is the Coordinator of the National Ecosystem Assessment Project in Malawi being implemented by Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources with technical support from UNEP-WCMC. John has been engaged on matters of biodiversity on several occasions including in developing the National Invasive Alien Species Strategy and Action Plan for Malawi. I am therefore confident that if considered john will contribute significantly to IPBES initiatives. | 2 March 2022 |
| Cameroon | Prof. Eric Bertrand FOKAM | Male | University of Buea, Cameroon | CV_eric bertrand _fokam.pdf | Professor Eric Bertrand Fokam is an expert in animal biodiversity and ecosystem services, and an incumbent member of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) of IPBES. Prof Fokam’s researches on the diversity of African insects and amphibians, and on pollinators and pollination of forest plants. As a member of the MEP in the past term, Prof. Fokam is a member of the Management Committee of the ongoing Invasive Alien Species assessment and he is a major contributor to the Manual for National Focal points of IPBES which will be submitted for approval during IPBES 9. We are very much satisfied of the feedback on his work as a member of the outgoing MEP | 6 March 2022 |
| Madagascar | Mr. Randriamahaleo Sahoby Yvy | Male | Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development | CV_randriamahaleo_sahoby yvy.pdf | I have working for a long time with Mr Sahoby Ivy Randriamahaleo. I can attest that he has the required knowledge and experiences to work as MEP. As CBD/SBSTTA and SBI National Focal Point, he has enough scientific knowlegede that can allow the IPBES platform to coordinate IPBES issues with CBD issues. | 9 March 2022 |
| South Africa | Dr. Luthando Dziba | Male | South African National Parks | CV_luthando_dziba.pdf | Dr Dziba presently serves as the Co-chair of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. During his first term as a MEP member, Luthando served as the co-chair of the Africa Regional Ecosystem Assessment which was commissioned by IPBES and published in 2018. This flagship document and process for Africa fed into the IPBES global assessment. Dr. Dziba continues to add tremendous value to the IPBES rolling work programme, particularly the current assessments that are underway. Luthando Dziba has since joined South African National Parks (SANParks) in July 2017 as the Managing Executive for Conservation Services which oversees Scientific Services, Veterinary Services, Conservation Planning and Cultural Heritage. He completed an Executive Development Program (EDP) at the Wits Business School in 2015. On behalf of the Republic of South Africa, the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment, fully endorses his nomination to the MEP. for a 2nd term. | 7 March 2022 |
| Nigeria | Dr. Edu Effiom | Female | Government | CV_edu_effiom.pdf | She is a Ph.D holder in Animal Ecology who has prerequisite experience in IPBES’ Assessment Programme, pre requisite work experience with international agencies such as the UNEP, GEF AND UNDP as well as publications in fields relevant to the work of IPBES. If approved, her nomination will go a long way to help support and strengthen the National platform while implementing the work of IPBES in general. |
9 March 2022 |
| Kenya | Dr. DOROTHY NYINGI | Female | NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF KENYA | CV_dorothy_nyingi.pdf | Dr Nyingi is a renowned scholar as a freshwater biologist and Ichthyologist with a wide experience in both science and policy work. She has coordinated a number of scientific work and contributed to policy for example, by authoring the first guide to Common Freshwater Fishes in Kenya in 2013. She has run for one term in the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEF) and Kenya wishes to nominate her for the second term to enhance continuity and gain form the experience she has accrued since. Attached plese find her CV for further perusal and consideration | 2 July 2022 |
| Burkina Faso | Mr. Karafa Bognini | Male | Ministère de la Transition Ecologique et de l'Environnement | CV_karafa_bognini.pdf | Monsieur Bognini Karafa est de base juriste de formation et a été admis au programme de régional de recherche du projet West African on Biodiversrity and Ecosystem Services (WABES) mis en œuvre en Afrique de l'Ouest. Dans le cadre de ce programme, il a reçu une formation de deux ans en gestion de l'interface science politique sur la biodiversité et des services écosystémiques et enseigné en anglais. En WABES (www.wabes.org) est un projet qui avait pour mission de créer un réseau régional des experts de la biodiversité en Afrique de l'Ouest pour appuyer la mise en œuvre du programme de travail de l'IPBES en Afrique de l'Ouest et susciter la participation des pays de la région au programme de travail de l'IPBES. Actuellement, Monsieur Bognini est mon assistant au Ministère où il m'appuye dans mes activités. Au regard ce précède, je suis convaincu que Monsieur Bognini Karafa est adapté pour ce rôle. | 8 March 2022 |
| United Republic of Tanzania | Dr. Linus Munishi | Male | The Nelson Mandela-African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) | CV_linus_munishi.pdf | Linus Munishi is an Associate Professor in Landscape and Conservation Ecology within the School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering at The Nelson Mandela-African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Arusha. His core training is on Ecology and Conservation Biology and he has conducted research work in different ecosystems in many countries including South Africa, UK, USA, Australia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Currently, his research work is on developing sustainable solutions to challenges facing degraded rangelands using Nature-based Approach the he has pioneered to manage invasive plant species with particular focus on protected and conserved area. He saves as a reviewer and Co-editor in many journals hosted by Elsevier and Wiley Publishers including Mammal Review, Conservation Science and Practice, Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal of Vegetation Science. Also he is a Lead Author of Chapter 3, IPBES Global Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Assessment. |
5 July 2022 |
| United Republic of Tanzania | Dr. LINUS MUNISHI | Male | THE NELSON MANDELA - AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NMAIST), ARUSHA -TANZANIA | CV_linus _munishi.pdf | Linus Munishi is an Associate Professor in Landscape and Conservation Ecology within the School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering. His core training is on Ecology and Conservation Biology and he has conducted research work in different ecosystems in many countries including South Africa, UK, USA, Australia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Currently, his research work is on developing sustainable solutions to challenges facing degraded rangelands using Nature-based Approach. He has pioneered to manage invasive plant species with particular focus on protected and conserved area. He saves as a reviewer and Co-editor in many journals hosted by Elsevier and Wiley Publishers including Mammal Review, Conservation Science and Practice, Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal of Vegetation Science. Also he is one of the Lead Author of Chapter 3, UN IPBES Global Alien Species (IAS) Assessment. | 5 July 2022 |
| Nominated by | Name | Gender | Affiliation | Curriculum vitae | Why is this individual particularly suited for the role? | Nomination date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | Prof. Ning Wu | Male | Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences | CV_ning_wu.pdf | Prof. Wu Ning is the current member of Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and eligible for a second term | 2 March 2022 |
| Japan | Dr. Shizuka Hashimoto | Male | Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo | CV_shizuka_hashimoto.pdf | Dr. Hashimoto has served as one of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel representing the Asia and Pacific region since 2018 and played an essential role in the effective functioning of the IPBES. His contributions to IPBES include a co-chair of the IPBES task force on scenarios and models, a member of the Management Committee of the thematic assessment of invasive alien species and their control, and a Scientific Steering Committee member of the IPBES/IPCC workshop report. Among others, his role in further developing the Nature Futures Framework has significant implications for the ongoing/future IPBES assessment as the framework will fill the gaps of existing scenarios and approaches by providing a nature-centered approach of visioning and scenario development. In addition, he also significantly contributed to the review of the use and impact of the IPBES conceptual framework for consideration by the member states in IPBES-9. His contributions to the IPBES have started even before its establishment; he participated in the first (2011) and the second (2012) International Science Workshop on Assessments for IPBES and the Initial Expert Workshop (2012) on IPBES Conceptual Framework. After its establishment, he also contributed to several deliverables, such as IPBES Global Assessment (Lead author), Asia-Pacific Regional Assessment (Lead author), and IPBES/IPCC workshop report (Scientific Steering Committee member and an author for section 5). He published 129 peer-reviewed articles in English or Japanese and contributed to eight other publications. While his area of expertise has been shifting towards interdisciplinary studies, he is one of the few experts in IPBES with a social science background. He has extensive experience related to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and IPBES. Also, he has served as an editor for Special Features of “Sustainability Science” on “Valuation of nature and nature’s contributions to people(*1)” and “Operationalizing the Nature Futures Framework to catalyze the development of nature-future scenarios(*2).” In addition, Dr. Hashimoto is an enthusiastic scientific leader dedicated to strengthening links between research and policymaking. At the international level, he has contributed to drafting various scientific statements, such as Science Academies of the G7’s statement “Reversing biodiversity loss – the case for urgent action(*3),” InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Statement on “Climate Change and Biodiversity: Interlinkages and policy options(*4)” and “Expert Input to the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework: Transformative actions on all drivers of biodiversity loss are urgently required to achieve the global goals by 2050(*5)”. At the national level, he has been involved in important policymaking relating to biodiversity and ecosystem services in Japan. In particular, he has contributed to Japan Biodiversity Outlook 3 as a member of the Committee for the Comprehensive Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services organized by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan. Currently, he serves as a member of several governmental committees, including the Committee for Japan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan organized by the Ministry of the Environment, a vice-chair of a Study Group on the New Ministerial Strategy and Action organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Lastly, to enhance the quality of IPBES activities of the 2019-2030 work program, we consider the further elaboration of the Nature Futures Framework and catalyzation of its use to be important. In light of his roles in IPBES as outlined above, we are confident that his continued engagement as a MEP in IPBES will be crucial to the successful implementation of the current work program and enhance the value of IPBES activities. We recommend Dr. Hashimoto for re-election as a MEP for all of these reasons. (*1) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11625-019-00732-6 (*2) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11625-021-01014-w (*3) https://royalsociety.org/-/media/about-us/international/g-science-statements/G7-reversing-biodiversity-loss-31-03-2021.pdf (*4) https://www.interacademies.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/IAP_Statement_Climate_Change_Biodiversity_web.pdf (*5) https://www.cbd.int/doc/c/16b6/e126/9d46160048cfcf74cadcf46d/wg2020-03-inf-11-en.pdf |
1 March 2022 |
| Pakistan | Mr. Hamid Ahmad | Male | Freelance | CV_hamid _ahmad.pdf | He has a long tenure of serve in agriculture and NRM | 8 March 2022 |
| Nepal | Madhav Karki | Male | Adjunct Professor, IOF | CV_madhav_karki.pdf | He has been working as MEP Expert from Nepal. | 9 March 2022 |
| Malaysia | Mr. Zahari bin Ibrahim | Male | Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia | CV_zahari_bin ibrahim.pdf | Mr. Zahari has many years of experience in the technical and management aspects of forestry | 10 March 2022 |
| Malaysia | Dr. David bin Magintan | Male | Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Penisular Malaysia | CV_david_bin magintan.pdf | Dr. David has many years of experience in the technical and management aspects of wildlife conservation | 10 March 2022 |
| Pakistan | Dr. Rizwan Irshad | Male | Biodiversity Directorate, Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad PAKISTAN | CV_rizwan_irshad.pdf | Dr. Irshad remained involved in the diverse program areas in the domain of Biodiversity and NRM. Lately he was involved in communications of Post 2020 Biodiversity Framework. I believe, his education and training in past was very diversified and the same makes him productive in CBD led processes. During past few years, his involvement in program areas of CBD and in NRM issues enables him to identify the real issues and solutions thereof (CBD, Biosafety, ABS, Forestry etc). He is core member of the team working on National Drought Plan and has a role in incorporating biodiversity and ecosystem concerns in the Plan. Others include IAS, Raptor multispecies action plan. Dr. Irshad was IPBES MEP member and i realize he remained active in the uptake of the platform at various fora. Taking into account the scope of MEP, and recognizing a need of including more practitioners have experience in diverse areas, I hope, he will be more productive as MEP member during the next tenure. |
8 March 2022 |
| Nominated by | Name | Gender | Affiliation | Curriculum vitae | Why is this individual particularly suited for the role? | Nomination date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azerbaijan | Mr. Rovshan Abbasov | Male | Khazar university | CV_rovshan_abbasov.pdf | Rovshan Abbasov is well known not only in Azerbaijan but also in the region for his scientific and practical activities. He has successfully participated in numerous scientific and practical projects. Most of these projects have been in Azerbaijan, the Caucasus and Central Asia. He is currently the CLA for Aquatic Ecosystems in the National Ecosystem Assessments supported by IPBES. The group led by him successfully assesses Azerbaijan's freshwater ecosystems in the NCP format. I support the membership of Rovshan Abbasov, who was a member of MEP in the past, and I am pleased to nominate him. |
18 December 2021 |
| Türkiye | Prof. ÖZDEN GÖRÜCÜ | Male | Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Faculty of Forestry (TURKEY) | CV_özden_görücü.pdf | Prof. Dr. Özden Görücü's area of expertise is operations research, multipurpose decision-making techniques, production, and investment planning on natural resources, sustainable forest management, forest economics, green economy, rural development, bioeconomy, and social forestry. He carried out many studies and projects in these areas of expertise. He also continues to work in the IPBES Multi-disciplinary expert panel. | 21 December 2021 |
| Armenia | Dr. Alla Aleksanyan | Female | Senior researcher at department of geobotany and eco-physiology – institute of botany aft. A.l. Takhtajyan NAS, RA. | CV_alla _aleksanyan.pdf | Dr. Alla Aleksanyan is experienced young professional who has deep knowledge in nature conservation and biodiversity research. During last 10 years she is involved in different national and international projects as an expert, member of different international associations, coordinates many scientific and educational projects. Besides of strong scientific background she has good communication, networking and leadership skills and has big input on internationalization of environmental sciences in Armenia. Dr. Aleksanyan demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to her scientific community as well as to the general public. Last few years she is actively participating in IBPES activities: leading author for Assessment of Invasive Alien Species and Their control, member of Committee on Conflicts of Interest, representative from Armenia in The European & Central Asia Network of organizations supporting IPBES. Her skills, knowledge, willingness to help others, and dedication to profession and the community make her our nominee for Multidisciplinary Experts Panel. |
21 January 2022 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Mr. Milan Mataruga | Male | The Faculty of Forestry, University of Banja Luka | CV_milan _mataruga.pdf | It is my pleasure to write a supporting justification for Mr. Milan Maturga and to recommend him to be a member of the Multidisciplinary Experts Panel of the IPBES. Mr. Mataruga has great professional experience related to biodiversity and nature research and I can say he is in the top 10% of science and policy research in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As you can see from his resume he has extensive experience in the field of genetics, biodiversity, forest management, and forestry. During his working period, he worked on several important scientific types of research and projects of importance. He is active as a Head of the department, professor, member of various committees but also as an independent researcher. Mr. Milan Mataruga is highly prepared intellectually for this task and possesses the requisite technical and practical knowledge to excel in the field, which will be a great asset to the IPBES team and workforces. I'm confident that Mr. Milan Mataruga can and will contribute to the work of the IPBES Multidisciplinary Experts Panel as a member and I hope you will consider this application. |
9 March 2022 |
| Romania | Dr. Mihaela Antofie | Female | University Lucian Blaga from Sibiu, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Food Industry and Environmental Protection | CV_mihaela_antofie.pdf | Prof. Mihaela Antofie improved her fields of expertise in biology at different levels: academic level (i.e 8 years in the Romanian Academy and 13 years in the Lucian Blaga University from Sibiu, Romania), industrial research (one year in microbiology and four years in plant biotechnology) and public administration for 3 years. Each time she received excellent references from employers. She proved to be a good researcher with over 120 scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals (i.e. starting with 1994) and running or working into 28 research – development projects (international or national levels). She also is working as a regular reviewer in peer-reviewed journals since 2006 and starting with 2014 she is also the Director of the Research Center for Agricultural Sciences and Environmental Protection where she organized during 2020-2022 the first laboratory for plant molecular biology, due to excellent training received. Well instructed into the access for benefit sharing policy for developing the ABS Protocol during 2006-2009 she continued to work at the interface between science and policy also in biotechnology and biodiversity conservation. She is the author of the red listing methodology for crops varieties in Romania, well appreciated at the international level and traditional knowledge is another topic she is interested for many years to study. With two international distinctions and a patent, well representing Romania into international fora starting with 2004, she proved to be a valuable resource person for this panel. | 17 June 2022 |
| Nominated by | Name | Gender | Affiliation | Curriculum vitae | Why is this individual particularly suited for the role? | Nomination date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | Mr. German Ignacio Andrade Perez | Male | Universidad EAN, Colombia | CV_german ignacio_andrade perez.pdf | We would like to support Mr. German Andrade for a second period (2022-2024) as member of the Multilateral Expert Panel of IPBES, taking into account the active participation and commitment of German during the current period of work of MEP, including his participation in the IPBES assessment on sustainable use. His academic experience (biologist) and professional experience as director of important national environmental NGOs and adviser of ministers of environment in Colombia, researcher of the Center for the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals for Latin America and the Caribbean, shows the experience and commitment of German of closing the gap of science and decision-making. German has also worked a lot towards transformative change, bringing different voices and knowledge, and understanding the context of the Latin American and the Caribbean Region. We are confident that German will play an important role during a second period in MEP with the new challenged assessment coming soon (nexus and transformative change). |
9 February 2022 |
| Suriname | Ms. Gwendolyn Landburg | Female | Anton de Kom University of Suriname | CV_gwendolyn_landburg.pdf | Ms. Landburg is interested in a position in the MEP based on her involvement in the work of the IPBES through her position in the scientific committee of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) Rapid Assessment of Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Services in the Amazon Region. With the knowledge gained on how to do such an assessment, she will be able to contribute to the work with MEP. Ms. Landburg has broad experience in working in various scientific research projects including studies on mercury pollution in artisanal gold mining, wildlife monitoring, and rapid assessments. |
9 March 2022 |
| Brazil | Dr. Ricardo Motta Pinto Coelho | Male | Federal University of Minas Gerais | CV_ricardo _ motta pinto coelho .pdf | Dr. Ricardo Motta has a extensive scientific research and teaching background in areas of expertise of special relevance for IPBES, such as ecology, sustainable development and environmental management, spanning over 4 decades of academic experience. He has also served in international cooperation projects between UNESCO and Brazil, which provides him with relevant skills to identify and develop pathways to strengthen the science-policy interface at the national and local levels. | 1 July 2022 |
| Mexico | Dr. Adriana Flores Díaz | Female | Universidad Iberoamericana | CV_adriana_flores díaz.pdf | As stated in her previous nomination to become a MEP member, Dr. Adriana Flores-Díaz is a biologist with a multidisciplinary experience in socio-ecological systems who has collaborated with IPLCs in the implementation of science-based policy. She has a wide academic and professional experience in the integration of social and ecological elements, with interdisciplinary approach, in contributing to long-term sustainable policies at the local level, mainly around water an territory management. Before becoming a MEP member, she actively participated as observer in IPBES Plenaries and as external reviewer of various IPBES assessments, as well as participant in the Stakeholders networks (including being part of the representative team and liaison with potential stakeholders interested on IPBES work). As MEP member, beyond fulfilling her commitments, such as reviewing CVs of candidates as part of the selection of experts, and reviewing and providing comments to scoping reports and assessments, she has collaborated with the TSU of ILK, supporting the various tasks carried out, expanding the scope of IPBES with other networks and additional groups to those already participating in the Platform, in the organization of dialogues to best integrate ILK. As part of this work with the TSU, she has also reviewed the documents and deliverables of other IPBES working groups, fostering the balance of knowledge available. In recent years, in coordination with the TSU, she has promoted the creation of a collection of diverse materials on ILK, including artistic material, documents, audios, and videos, among others, favoring their inclusion in different IPBES processes and exercises. Likewise, she has searched for and pointed out work routines to improve regional representation, gender balance and representation, representation of diverse knowledge systems and discipline balance in those assessments where she has participated. She has reviewed and provided comments to the chapters and SPMs of the assessments of IAS, sustainable use and values, seeking to foster good communication between the technical-academic teams and decision makers. Also, she has participated in practically all the meetings where the progress of ongoing assessments and scoping reports have been presented to National Focal Points, following up on the comments expressed during these meetings , as they provide a central guide for the work of the MEP and allowing her to include the perspective of NFPs in the MEP’s daily work and discussions. Dr. Flores-Díaz has had an outstanding performance and commitment and she has expressed her interest and motivation to be reelected as MEP member in order to continue working on her MEP commitments to strengthen and enrich the technical and scientific quality of IPBES processes, as well as to continue sharing proposals, such as the ones she has presented to review the procedures to select experts and replace authors in the assessments’ teams, and to develop a concept note on the evaluation of (socio)Ecological Connectivity that has been presented as part of future IPBES work. |
8 March 2022 |
| Mexico | Dr. Antonio Díaz de León Corral | Male | Innovative Cutting Edge Solutions | CV_antonio_díaz de león corral.pdf | As stated in his first nomination to become a MEP member during the current period, Dr. Díaz de León has a wide experience as a scientist, governmental decision maker and consultant, and before becoming a MEP member he participated in IPBES processes, particularly as CLA of the Regional Assessment for the Americas. He has fulfilled his commitments as MEP member, such as the selection of experts, regional meetings, definition of task forces and working groups, and reviewing and providing comments to scoping reports and assessments, and he has participated as in the Values Assessment as part of the Management Committee. Likewise, he has promoted the strengthening of the science-policy interface beyond the “traditional” (usual) approaches, seeking to promote the exchange and discussion of diverse ideas and views, the inclusion of complex and critical thinking, disciplinary and regional balance and the participation of practitioners. As part of his expression of interest to be reelected as MEP member, he has expressed his commitment to join as additional MEP member of the Transformative Assessment, as well as to support the process of a second global assessment to meet the global needs and commitments on biodiversity and ecosystem services towards 2030, promoting diverse views beyond Western Science, and particularly considering views of Megadiverse countries and the Global South. |
8 March 2022 |
| Costa Rica | Msgr. Guido Saborío | Male | Technical Director of Osa Conservation Area- Researcher | CV_guido_saborío .pdf | MSc. Saborio has a lot of experience in research and management of biodiversity in one of the most diversity place of the World at the South Pacific of Costa Rica. Also he is the SBSTTA National Focal Point of CR in front CBD. So, Mr. Saborio has into his experience two elements of importance for the Platform; research and management. He can play a interesting rol as alternate of Mesoamerican members of MEP. | 5 July 2022 |
| Colombia | Dr. Andres Guhl | Male | Associated Professor | CV_andres_guhl.pdf | Mr. Guhl is currently an alternate member of the MEP and wishes to continue for a second period. His long academic multidisciplinary experience on environment and development, environmental modeling and work with other sectors, bring crucial capacities and knowledge for the work envisage to be carried out by the MEP in the following period. | 5 July 2022 |
| Saint Lucia | Dr. Marie-Louise Felix | Female | Sir Arthur Lewis Community College | CV_marie-louise_felix.pdf | Dr. Marie-Louise Felix has a broad range of expertise and practical experiences. She is a marine biologist and fisheries specialist with more than 25 years of experience in coastal zone and natural resources management in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean. Dr. Felix joined the World Wildlife Fund in the Guianas and held multiple positions including Regional Wildlife Trade Management Officer, Regional Species Conservation Officer, Regional Marine Turtle Conservation Officer and finally Regional Marine Coordinator. Her wealth of experience has also extended into holding key positions in several regional entities dealing with the management of natural resources. She also designed and developed a series of courses for an Associate Degree in Environmental Science for the Division of Science Technology, Innovation and Sustainability at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, a tertiary level academic institution in Saint Lucia where she lectures. Such experience is extremely relevant to the requirements needed for the effective functioning of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP). Moreover, she has demonstrated effective communication skills and tremendous ability in undertaking and managing several tasks. Her time management skills are also exceptional. These attributes are absolutely necessary for fulfilling the requirements of the MEP. For these reasons I nominate Dr. Felix as a suitable candidate for the MEP. | 8 March 2022 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Dr. Ryan Mohammed | Male | Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville (ERIC); Williams College, Massachusetts | CV_ryan_mohammed.pdf | Dr. Ryan Mohammed has a vast background in scientific research and ecological assessments across several disciplines, including fish and freshwater biology and ecology, parasitology and bacteriology, tropical aquaculture, and paleontology, with a considerably large publication record, the vast majority of which is focused on work in Caribbean Small Island Developing States. His diverse and expansive research background, as well as his local, regional, and international experience in research, policy development, and capacity building make him a well-suited individual for this role. His work as the Acting Curator of the University of the West Indies St. Augustine Zoology Museum as well as his current role as the Cooperate Secretary for Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville (ERIC) have provided Dr. Mohammed with extensive experience in bridging the gap between science, policy, and practice, which is further illustrated by his contributions to various projects addressing curriculum, manual and syllabus development, in addition to the production of educational material in a variety of forms, and his engagement in a number of committees designed to guide policy. Furthermore, his experience as a supervisor of a large number of research projects, contributions to numerous academic committees, and his experience in reviewing journal articles further underscore his scientific expertise and ability to contribute substantially to the management of the IPBES peer-review process. We believe that Dr. Mohammed is highly qualified and would make excellent contributions as an expert to the IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel, as well as represent the region, including Small Island Developing States, in an exemplary manner. |
9 March 2022 |
| Nominated by | Name | Gender | Affiliation | Curriculum vitae | Why is this individual particularly suited for the role? | Nomination date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden | Dr. Frauke Ecke | Female | Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences | CV_frauke _ ecke.pdf | 3 January 2022 | |
| United States of America | Dr. Shana McDermott | Female | Trinity University | CV_shana_mcdermott.pdf | Dr. McDermott is an associate professor at Trinity University. She is trained as an applied microeconomist, and her research focuses on jointly determined human and natural systems, and developing policies that will enable humans to better manage natural resources. Her current research examines invasive species valuation and management, the effect of the discount rate on environmental policy, and rangeland conservation in the desert Southwest. She is also serving as a lead author on the IPBES invasive species assessment. Dr. McDermott would bring a social science perspective to the MEP that is currently lacking. | 8 March 2022 |
| Germany | Prof. Josef Settele | Male | Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Department of Conservation Biology (NSF) | CV_josef_settele.pdf | Prof. Josef Settele is an agricultural biologist by training and head of the UFZ Department of “Conservation Biology and Social-Ecological Systems”. He is an internationally recognised scientific expert with a high number of relevant publications in high-ranking journals. Beyond his "classical" inter- and transdisciplinary visions, Mr Settele has a long history of research collaboration with and integration of local and indigenous groups in his projects, for example in Southern Germany and in Southeast Asia (e.g. he lived and worked for several years in traditional rice growing Ifugao communities in the Philippines). His extensive and notable scientific work spans the fields of biodiversity in the natural sciences, agriculture and land use, and is evidenced by more than 500 publications in local and stakeholder publications as well as peer-reviewed journals: He repeatedly was “Highly cited researcher”; H-index 57 in WoS (see CV for details). Due to his involvement in various functions at the IPCC and IPBES (e.g. co-chair of the IPBES global assessment or CLA in AR5 of IPCC), Mr Settele has many years of intensive science-policy experience. He is deeply rooted in the IPBES processes since the foundation of the Platform. He is familiar with the IPBES work programmes, working methods and the procedures required to conduct, assess and inform about science at international science-policy interfaces and at the United Nations in general. His high level of familiarity with the IPBES work programme is particularly evident in his following previous roles in the implementation of various elements of the IPBES work programme: a) CLA in the IPBES Pollination Assessment. b) LA in the IPBES Asia-Pacific Assessment c) Co-chair and CLA in the IPBES Global Assessment d) IPBES Guest Article on the COVID-19 Stimulus e) Author in the IPBES-IPCC Report on "Biodiversity and Climate Change". Josef Settele has also made a name for himself in his role as CLA of the chapter "Terrestrial and Inland Water Systems" in the AR5 of the IPCC, as well as through his work as a reviewer for dozens of international research and funding organisations. Such cooperation underlines his outstanding ability to actively and successfully engage at various international science-policy interfaces. Throughout, Josef Settele has demonstrated his remarkable skills in integrating different knowledge holders through the successful work as co-chair, focusing on supporting scientists (also mentally) beyond the technical expertise of a single person. Josef Settele has excellent national and international connections and participation in networks and is an integrating element in sustainability management systems. Mr Settele has exceptional communicative skills, which are reflected in numerous activities, several hundred interviews, numerous contributions in various media (print, radio, TV, social media) and various prizes (e.g UFZ Knowledge Transfer and Communication Prize 2020, Heinz-Sielmann-Honourary Prize 2021, EuroNatur-Prize representing the scientists active in IPBES jointly with two IPBES colleagues: Yunne Shin, France, and Eszter Kelemen, Hungary). He has been instrumental in making the complexity of the topic of biodiversity and the urgency of action tangible not only for policy and decision makers, but also for relevant social groups such as economic actors (associations, networks, companies, etc.) and the general public. Josef Settele has many years of experience in successfully promoting and integrating science into political development processes. He is a member of the German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU), where he advises the German government on the integration of biodiversity, land use, nature conservation and ecology into political processes. |
2 March 2022 |
| Portugal | Prof. Isabel Sousa Pinto | Female | University of Porto, Portugal | CV_isabel_sousa pinto.pdf | Isabel Sousa Pinto is suited as MEP representative because: 1) has been working as a scientist and as a professor for more than 25 years teaching and doing research in subjects relevant for the work of IPBES as several aspects of biodiversity: distribution patterns, role on ecosystem functioning and services and impacts of drivers, especially climate change, invasive species, harvest and marine litter. She has also been very active in the sustainable use of marine resources, including sustainable aquaculture and the production of algal biomass for different applications and new livelihoods, testing and promoting Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and Restorative Aquaculture as a Nature Based Solution for aquaculture. She has also been working on restoration of marine coastal ecosystems, especially kelp forests and seagrass beds as Nature Based Solution for carbon sequestration and biodiversity promotion and in other marine Nature based solutions for climate, biodiversity, food, medicine and biomaterials, including biofuels. This work has been done through several national, European and international projects that included companies, policy makers and other stakeholders and in three of them she is also responsible for the science-policy interface: for the projects (FutureMares (www.futuremares.eu ), Mission Atlantic (www.missionatlantic.eu) and Maelstrom (www.maelstrom-h2020.eu ). 2) Co-leads or is from the steering/executive committees (and was in the past) of many EU and international organisations and programs that bring together researchers and in some also policy makers in areas relevant for IPBES, to organize and promote biodiversity relevant research and observation at European, Atlantic and Global scales as e.g. GEO BON, being in the IC committee and co-leading the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (2010-present), the Census of Marine Life (2006-2010) a global program that aimed at discovering all marine species, European Network of Excellence MABEFF: Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function, and then the resulting consortium (2005 - 2014), MARS - European Network of Marine Research Institutes and Stations (2009 - 2016), FP7 EUROMARINE – Integration of Marine Networks of Excellence (2010-2013) and then the resulting EUROMARINE Consortium – European Network of Marine research)(2014- co-leading this consortium of Marine Research organization at present), EMBOS - Development and implementation of a pan-European Marine Biodiversity Observatory System. (2011-2015), EOOS – European Ocean Observation System (2016-present), H2020 AtlantOS: Optimizing and Enhancing the Integrated Atlantic Ocean Observing System (2015-2019) and AtlantOS Program (2019-present), EPBRS (European Platform for Biodiversity Research Strategy), an European platform that brought together scientists and policymakers to identify priorities for research on biodiversity to support policy and actions for its sustainable use and conservation (2002-2012) and coordinated the FP5 project to support it – Bioplatform European Platform for Biodiversity – 2001-2005). She was also part of the consortium of the first Biodiversa ERA NET, representing the Portuguese funding agency and leading the work package on networking between the different countries. 3) Worked at European level to set up a IPBES inspired mechanism at this regional level (WP or case study leader in the projects KNEU - Developing a Knowledge Network for EUropean expertise on biodiversity and ecosystem services to inform policy making and economic sectors and H2020 EKLYPSE - Establishing a European Knowledge and Learning Mechanism to Improve the Policy- Science- Society Interface on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2016-2021), where the network was first developed and tested, including testing methodologies and ways of working that can be useful for IPBES, and then was set up to become and independent mechanism: achieved in 2020 (https://eklipse.eu ). 4) Has a considerable experience working with IPBES, first as a National Representative (since GA2 in 2014 and until 2018 when was elected for the MEP), participating in all GAs, working also as focal point, dealing e.g. with nomination of experts. During that time, she promoted widely the work of IPBES and the participation of Portuguese knowledge holders in its work, organizing a national network, nominating several experts that were selected as authors, Also promoted IPBES work at European level, especially during marine research and policy events. She was nominated and selected as expert for the Scoping of the Regional and Global Assessments. Was nominated and selected as a Coordinating Lead Author for the Regional Assessment for Europe and Central Asia. She has also been very active in the promotion of stakeholder engagement with IPBES - , first as part of EPBRS and then co-organised a National Meeting and platform and participated in the organization of several PESC meetings at Pan European scale. She was responsible for promoting the participation of EuroMarine as an IPBES stakeholder, nominating several experts for different IPBES assessments (several were selected for different assessments). In 2018 was nominated and elected to the MEP. Since then, was very involved in the work, participating in all MEP meetings, co-chairing the Knowledge and Data Task force, being very active in its work, especially in the work of catalyzing new knowledge. Was also part of the management committee of the Global Assessment (for 1 year) and is now for the Nexus Assessment being very involved in the scoping, including the Biodiversity and Pandemics workshop, selection of expert and so on and now with the start of the assessment work. Involved also in the development of a guide for the National Focal Points and in a working group for improving the nomination and selection of experts for the assessments and other MEP initiatives. She has been also promoting the participation of experts with relevant knowledge on marine ecosystems and their services, on ocean solutions for climate and sustainable development, on ocean governance and on maritime activities in the assessments as authors but also as reviewers, and as members and contributors of the IPBES Task forces, especially the Knowledge and data, the Scenarios and Models and the Indigenous and Local Knowledge. 5) Has participated in the Interminesterial commission on biodiversity lead by the Portuguese Ministry of the Environment, representing the Ministry of Research and was part of the Portuguese Delegation to the CBD from 2006 to 2010. She also participated in the team set-up by the Portuguese presidency of the EU in 2021 for supporting the preparation of CBD COP 15. She is now a member of the Comité Nacional de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação – an advisory board set up by the Prime Minister of Portugal to advise the government regarding science, Technology and Innovation, specially supporting the Ministers of Science and of Economy. So we believe she has the expertise and experience that makes her a suitable candidate for the MEP of the science policy interface at international level that is IPBES More information can be found in the cv attached. Rule 26 also sets out criteria, which could be taken into account in nominating and selecting members of the MEP: 1. (a) Scientific expertise in biodiversity and ecosystem services with regard to both natural and social sciences and traditional and local knowledge among the members of the MEP; 2. (b) Scientific, technical or policy expertise and knowledge of the main elements of the programme of work of IPBES; 3. (c) Experience in communicating, promoting and incorporating science into policy development processes; 4. (d) Ability to work in international scientific and policy processes. |
6 March 2022 |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Prof. Mike Christie | Male | University of Aberystwyth | CV_mike_christie.pdf | Please find below, information to support the nomination of Prof Mike Christie as a member of the IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP). (a) Scientific expertise in biodiversity and ecosystem services with regard to both natural and social sciences and traditional and local knowledge among the members of the MEP; Mike Christie is a Professor of Environmental and Ecological Economics at Aberystwyth University, UK. Christie has a natural science background (BSc Agriculture, Aberdeen University, 1992), but through his PhD (Aberdeen University, 1996) he turned his focus to environmental economics. Most of Christie’s research is interdisciplinary and involves economic and social valuation of a wide range of ecosystem services / NCP across a range of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. His research is also international, and he has led projects in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. He was a lead author of TEEB, the UK National Ecosystem Assessment and its follow-on work, the IPBES European and Central Asia assessment (Chapter 2 and SPM) and is currently co-chair of the IPBES Values assessment. He has over 50 scientific papers that value ecosystem services. Further, his research in Cote D’Ivoire, Madagascar, Indonesia and the Solomon Islands demonstrates his expertise in traditional and local knowledge systems. (b) Scientific, technical or policy expertise and knowledge of the main elements of the programme of work of IPBES; Professor Christie has been involved in IPBES for over 7 years. He is currently a co-chair of the IPBES ‘Values Assessment’ (VA) and a lead author of its Summary for Policy Makers (SPM) and Chapters 1 – 6. As chair of the VA: • He was involved in the recruitment and selection of authors for the VA, acknowledging the need to ensure a diversity of authors across IPBES regions. • He was involved in developing and managing the programme of work for the production of the VA. • He organised and led authors meetings (including virtual ones due to covid). • He actively engaged with the MEP, Bureau and Plenary in the discussions of the VA. • He played a lead role in synthesising the VA chapters to develop its SPM. • He will play a lead role in presenting the VA SPM at the IPBES Plenary in July 2022. • He is currently developing a communications strategy for the VA. He was also a lead author of the IPBES European and Central Asia assessment’s (ECA) SPM and Chapter 2. • His work as lead author of the IPBES ECA provided him with experience of identifying and reviewing evidence: he led Section 2.3.5 “Valuing nature’s contributions of people”, which involved a review of monetary and non-monetary indicators of the value of NCP in the ECA region. • His role as a lead author of the IPBES ECA SPM provided him with experience of synthesising key messages from across the Assessment into policy relevant messages. • He was involved in presenting and defending Section A of the ECA SPM to the IPBES Plenary. • He played an active role in the IPBES ECA Press Conference when the assessment was published. • He presented the findings of IPBES ECA assessment to the CBD’s Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) meeting in Montreal, Canada 29 June to 7 July 2018. (c) Experience in communicating, promoting and incorporating science into policy development processes; As noted above, Christie is currently chair of the IPBES Values Assessment and was a lead author of the IPBES European and Central Asia assessment. For both assessments, he played a key role in developing and promoting the SPMs. He also presented the findings of IPBES ECA assessment to the CBD’s Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) meeting. Christie was also a lead author of ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity’ (TEEB) report. Following the publication of TEEB, Christie ran a number of TEEB capacity-building and knowledge exchange workshops in Africa, Asia, Central America and Europe. His wider research has involved the economic and social valuation of ecosystem services for a range of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems across the world. The results from these studies have been directly embedded into policy development processes: e.g. in the UK values have been used to evaluate the UK Biodiversity Action Plan / SSSIs; in Ireland values have been used to help develop policies to address the EU Water Framework Directive; in the Caribbean, ecosystem service values have supported the development of Marine Protected Areas; in Madagascar, values have helped to develop conservation programmes; in Rwanda values for forest services have been embedded into natural capital accounting systems; in Lombok, Indonesia values had aided the development of forest protected areas; and in the Solomon Islands values have been used by communities to protect traditional forest practices. (d) Ability to work in international scientific and policy processes. Christie has been involved in TEEB, IPBES ECA and IPBES VA assessments. These assessments have fed directly into the Convention on Biological Diversity. Christie has also presented the findings of the IPBES ECA to the CBD’s SBSTTA meetings. His wider research has involved a wide range of ecosystem services valuation studies that have fed directly into policy development processes (see (c) above). |
8 March 2022 |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Prof. Pierre Failler | Male | University of Portsmouth | CV_pierre_failler.pdf | Please find below, information to support the nomination of Prof Pierre Failler as a member of the IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP). (a) Scientific expertise in biodiversity and ecosystem services with regard to both natural and social sciences and traditional and local knowledge among the members of the MEP: Prof. Pierre Failler has coordinated around 40 medium and large international research projects, covering topic areas of marine and coastal biodiversity and ecosystem services. Some examples of these include the MAVA Foundation project (2022-2023) researching the valuation of seagrasses in West Africa for the purpose of improving their protection and inclusion of coastal ecosystems into the National Determined Contribution of West African Countries; and the EUH2020 project (2020-2024) analysing the relationship between biodiversity and climate change in Europe and the Caribbean, along with the effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions to enhance this relationship. All projects exhibited expertise of natural and social sciences, as well as local knowledge for both the characterization of ecosystems, their services, and the policy recommendations. This has allowed Failler to develop a capacity to link various disciplines to co-develop and produce unified results. Overall, about 150 journal articles and more than 350 technical reports, book chapters, etc have been produced as outputs of these research activities. (b) Scientific, technical or policy expertise and knowledge of the main elements of the programme of work of IPBES: Professor Failler acted as coordinating lead author of the IPBES African Assessment (Chapter 2) and as co-author for its Summary for Policy Makers. More recently he took part in the design of the IPBES NEXUS assessment and the African Assessment GAP analysis. This has equipped Failler with a full understanding of the 2030 IPBES work program (Nexus assessment, work on biodiversity and climate change, transformative change assessment, business and biodiversity assessment). Professor Failler supervises 2 PhD students on projects investigating (1) the relationship between biodiversity and climate change, and the tendency to select species for their climate change mitigation capacity and not solely for their biodiversity importance; (2) the transformative change needed for proper ocean governance. Acting since 2020 as an EU expert in Blue Economy and Climate Change within the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA+), Failler is at the heart of European action supporting 98 countries through making contributions to the setting up of policies that link biodiversity and climate change. Professor Failler provides significant input to the establishment of sustainable connections between initiatives through the EU Nature Network, that is contributing to connect IPBES, IPCC and the CBD, and EU initiatives such as the Green Deal. (c) Experience in communicating, promoting and incorporating science into policy development processes: Prof. Failler has presented research results in more than 150 conferences, attends circa 15 international workshops every year and contributes to media activities on a regular basis (TV, journal, podcast, etc.). Most journal papers, research and consultancy reports published aim to provide guidance for policy using scientific results. (d) Ability to work in international scientific and policy processes: In 2020, Professor Failler was named the UNESCO Chair in Ocean Governance. The Chair provides key support to the implementation of the program of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. As Chair, he is currently involved in the planning of the Decade by attending regional workshops and responding to input on proposed Decade implementation plans. In addition, the Chair will also deliver the Decade objectives through the forthcoming development of a dedicated UNITWIN Cooperation Programme that will coordinate specific relevant activities and expertise of UNESCO Chairs in the UK and internationally. Failler has also coordinated the following, which have all provided a strong link with policy: - Blue Economy Strategy for the African Union - Regional Action Plan for the Blue Economy of the Indian Ocean Commission - Blue Economy Strategy of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) - Blue Economy Strategy for Bangladesh, Seychelles, Guinea, The Bahamas, Jamacia and Madagascar. Furthermore, Prof. Failler has contributed to peer review bodies, committees, research councils, and appointment panels outside of the University (including government committees and international organisations such as UNEP, IOC-UNESCO, FAO, EU, African Union, UNDP, IUCN, etc.) through contributions shaping the subject of marine and coastal policies. He also contributes to the UK-NERC Valuating Nature Program in which he collaborates on the production of methodological documents, including a journal paper recently submitted. |
8 March 2022 |
| United States of America | Dr. Kyle Whyte | Male | University of Michigan | CV_kyle_whyte.pdf | Dr. Whyte is George Willis Pack Professor of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, teaching in the environmental justice specialization. He is Affiliate Professor of Native American Studies and Philosophy. His research addresses environmental justice, focusing on moral and political issues concerning climate policy and Indigenous peoples, the ethics of cooperative relationships between Indigenous peoples and science organizations, and problems of Indigenous justice in public and academic discussions of food sovereignty, environmental justice, and the anthropocene. He is an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Dr. Whyte currently serves on the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, the Management Committee of the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, the Board of Directors of the Pesticide Action Network North America, and the Resilient America Roundtable of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. He has served as an author for the U.S. Global Change Research Program and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, including authorship on the 4th National Climate Assessment and IPCC Working Group II Sixth Assessment Report. He is a former member of the Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Science in the U.S. Department of Interior and of two environmental justice work groups convened by past state governors of Michigan. | 8 March 2022 |
| New Zealand | Dr. Carolyn Lundquist | Female | Principal Scientist – Marine Ecology, National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research; Associate Professor – School of Environment, University of Auckland | CV_carolyn _lundquist.pdf | Dr Lundquist breadth of scientific expertise which includes scenarios and models of biodiversity and ecosystem services, marine spatial planning and biodiversity modelling, social-ecological systems, coastal ecology and disturbance/recovery dynamics and connectivity in marine ecosystems as well as climate change impacts on marine systems puts her in a good position to contribute as a member of MEP. Throughout her career Dr Lundquist has also gained experience working with others as a researcher, consultant, University lecturer and remains an active contributor to IPBES work programme. Dr Lundquist is an excellent communicator comfortable in the scientific and policy arena and would work well as part of the MEp. . |
9 March 2022 |
| Netherlands (Kingdom of the) | Prof. Rob Alkemade | Male | Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency/Wageningen University and Research | CV_rob_alkemade.pdf | Since the establishment of IPBES Rob has been contributing to various activities of the Platform, especially through his role as head of the IPBES technical support unit for scenarios and models. Furthermore, he has contributed in various author-roles to IPBES assessments, as well as other international assessments such as Global Biodiversity Outlooks and Global Environmental Outlooks. Membership of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel would provide him with a great opportunity to serve the objectives of IPBES at a strategic level and help chart the course of IPBES in the coming years. With over 20 years of research experience related to biodiversity and ecosystem services, his experience with modeling and scenario development and his experience in communicating science into policy processes at both national and international levels (e.g. CBD, EU and NL), I believe he can offer a valuable contribution to the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel. Should he be offered the position, he will not only strive to strengthen individual IPBES topics within the work programme, but also making sure the different efforts connect to and support each other. This would involve a role in the guidance on the integration of scenario thinking into the IPBES functions, including assessments, capacity building and policy support; overseeing the potential of model based information to the assessments in combination with other sources of knowledge; and promoting the scientific knowledge on the societal role of nature and its contributions to people. From his understanding of national and international policy agenda’s he has a keen eye where new IPBES activities can make a difference. In his role as head of a TSU he organized and facilitated, with his team and co-chairs, the development of the Methodological Assessment of Scenarios and Models for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, which was one of the first IPBES assessments. Based on the methodological assessment the TSU facilitated the authors of the four Regional Assessments and the Land Degradation and Restoration Assessment to address scenario analyses consistently with an archetype approach. As contributing author, he provided analyses and texts to Chapter 4 on plausible futures of the IPBES Global Assessment. As head of the TSU, being part of the IPBES secretariat, he has attended and supported several meetings of the IPBES Plenary, the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and the Bureau. As part of his work at the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL), he has a leading role in the development of several models that describe the impact of environmental drivers of biodiversity loss, including land use change, climate change and pollution, on the national level for the Netherlands, and the European and on global levels. The GLOBIO model for instance is one of the major global biodiversity models, and its outputs have been used in many global and regional assessments, including the IPBES regional and global assessments, CBD’s Global Biodiversity Outlooks; UNEP’s Global Environmental Outlooks and UNCCD’s Global Land Outlooks, to some of which he has contributed as lead author as well. Rob contributed to many IPBES related projects on scenario building, such as the multi model comparison that delivered scenarios analyses for the global assessment; development of the nature futures framework, a main achievement of the IPBES taskforce on scenarios and models; the Bending the Curve of biodiversity loss scenario exercises, which was included in the 5th Global Biodiversity Outlook; and various capacity building initiatives organized by local partners in China, Brazil and India. His role in IPBES activities and in applied research at international level has given Rob the opportunity to work with people from many different cultures and parts of the world. This has enabled him to build an extensive professional network as well as strong personal relationships with people that work on a wide range of topics and in different contexts. Working with people from a variety of disciplines and cultures has brought Rob a deep respect for all different viewpoints. It taught him that approaching conservation of nature and its sustainable use from many different perspectives leads to new views and fruitful solutions. I hope this motivation and the attached CV will convince you of Rob's motivation and capacity for a position in the IPBES multidisciplinary expert panel. |
9 March 2022 |
| Norway | Dr. Rachel Tiller | Female | SINTEF Ocean | CV_rachel_tiller.pdf | Dr. Rachel Tiller is particularly suited for the role as a member of MEP, representing Western European and other States, because of her strong interdisciplinary background, with a foundation in Political Science, coupled with long experience leading large international inter- and transdisciplinary research consortiums. She has worked closely with researchers from all disciplines, not in parallel, but in an integrative manner, where each build upon the work of the other and where there is mutual benefits in collaboration rather than working in isolation. This coordination of disciplinary work, and emphasis on respect, overcoming disciplinary language barriers, and collaborating both within the diverse scientific community and outside of it, is of critical importance in IPBES work, especially in terms of integrating the social sciences and other knowledge holders more intimately in the process, and merging various perspectives. Dr. Tiller has worked on complex issues such as ocean acidification, microplastics, jellyfish blooms, salt marshes, and movement of plankton due to changes in temperature – from a social science and political perspective – with interdisciplinary peer reviewed publications as a result. In addition, she is a peer reviewer for numerous international journals, has been on the review board for select research programs internationally, and is Associate Editor at two journals (see CV for details). In terms of direct work on biodiversity, she has followed the negotiations towards a treaty for biodiversity protection in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) in a research capacity since they started officially in 2018 and she has published extensively on these. Dr. Tiller has also worked on interdisciplinary research projects on the topic of biodiversity and follows international processes such as the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) from a research perspective, using Event Ethnography and in-depth interviewing as a methodology. Norway believes it may be of value to IPBES that the research organization SINTEF in Norway, one of Europe's largest independent research organizations, has a focus on innovation and technology development. Dr. Tiller works at SINTEF Ocean where she leads the institutes' strategic focus area of "Biodiversity and area use". Her work consists amongst others of coordinating the work of researchers that focus on biodiversity and how research, development and technology can be a tool for protection, monitoring, restoration, prevention of species invasion, and prevention of overfishing to name a few. In conversations with Dr. Tiller she has expressed a keen interest in joining the MEP and contributing to the work of IPBES |
9 March 2022 |
| Italy | Dr. Alessio Capriolo | Male | ISPRA - Italy's Higher Institute for Environment Protection and Research | CV_alessio_capriolo.pdf | Alessio Capriolo is an economist who count on a high reputation on a national and international scale, with a high level of academic education and training. He has a two-decade working experience, mainly at the Italy's Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, on issues like strategic environmental assessment of European programs and plans; development and cohesion policies; natural resources assessment; water, nature, climate economics and economic accounting. In the last decade, dr. Capriolo has focused on conservation and sustainable use of natural capital and on the integration of the instrumental and intrinsic, tangible and intangible, values of biodiversity in sectorial and intersectoral policies. I maintain, in agreement with the IPBES's Italian NFP deputies, that his appointment for the IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel is very meaningful in order to include a disciplinary competence, that refers to the human and social sciences, which is fundamental to give the Panel a concrete multidisciplinary, consistently with the IPBES conceptual framework and approach of enhancing the contributions from the social sciences and humanities in the work of IPBES and, in general, of the post-2020 CBD action plans. Finally, I believe that the appointment of Dr. Capriolo to the IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel will contribute to enrich the same Panel with a high spirit of cooperation and vivacity. |
9 March 2022 |
| Finland | Prof. Christopher Raymond | Male | University of Helsinki | CV_christopher_raymond.pdf | Christopher Raymond is professor of Sustainability Science at the University of Helsinki, Finland with expertise in the conceptualisation and assessment of the multiple values of nature, including the co-benefits and costs of nature-based solutions on biodiversity, environmental justice and human wellbeing. He also develop new approaches for integrating the multiple values of nature into the governance of sustainability transformation in urban areas, and in enabling the inclusive conservation of protected areas. As a Coordinating Lead Author of the IPBES Values Assessment, he is motivated to continue to contribute his time and science-policy expertise to IPBES and the global community. Please see below for his responses to the selection criteria: Scientific expertise in biodiversity and ecosystem services with regard to both natural and social sciences and traditional and local knowledge among the members of the MEP I am globally recognised for my research on the socio-cultural valuation of ecosystem services and nature’s contributions to people, and have been recognised as a top 1% cited academic in my field in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Over the past 15 years, I have developed novel concepts and approaches for integrating value concepts and approaches from the social and natural sciences into biodiversity and environmental decision-making (e.g., Raymond et al. 2009, 2016, 2019, see CV). In addition, I have been heavily involved in the development of new approaches for weaving local, indigenous and scientific knowledge into biodiversity conservation (Raymond et al., 2010; Tengo et al., 2017), and bringing different knowledge systems, including indigenous knowledge systems, into the science-policy interface. More recently, I have developed new approaches for integrating the diverse values of nature into sustainability transformation and nature-based solutions assessment frameworks. For example, I led the development of the Nature-based Solutions Impact Assessment Framework (Raymond et al. 2017) and co-chaired the EKLIPSE Expert Working Group on Nature-based Solutions. And from 2018-current I have led the development of the conceptual chapter of the IPBES Values Assessment through my role as Coordinating Lead Author. Scientific, technical or policy expertise and knowledge of the main elements of the programme of work of IPBES I am very familiar with the different elements of work of IPBES, namely its assessing knowledge, building capacity, strengthening the knowledge foundations, supporting policy and communicating and engaging functions. I have scientific expertise in knowledge assessment (e.g., values assessment, sustainability trans-formations), and in strengthening the knowledge foundations of science-policy interfaces. In regard to the latter, during the IPBES Values Assessment, I led a research team that developed and administered a longitudinal survey which aimed to assess cognitive, relational and normative learning among IPBES experts with regards to how they view the validity of knowledge, their understandings of the multiple values of nature and their role in supporting the science-policy interface on biodiversity and environmental decision-making. My team has also systematically reflected on how Co-chairs and Coordinating Lead Authors have led this values assessment and identified strengths in the process and grounds for improvement based on the insights shared by survey respondents. I have also had conversations with Prof Marie Stenseke about the role of MEP members across six areas, in-cluding providing advice to the Plenary on scientific and technical aspects of IPBES’ programme of work; providing advice and assistance on technical and/or scientific communication matters; and managing IPBES’ peer-review process to ensure the highest levels of scientific quality, independence and credibility for all products delivered by IPBES at all stages of the process. Experience in communicating, promoting and incorporating science into policy development processes I am the Coordinator and PI of a joint Biodiversa, Belmont Forum and Horizon 2020 project named ENVISION which aimed to develop new multi-method approaches to assessing and enabling inclusive conservation in protected area management. A core focus of my activity involved communicating, promoting and incorporating science into local, regional, pan-European and United States policy making on biodiversity conservation. Click to see examples of policy briefs that my team developed. I have had similar experiences in my leadership of VIVA-PLAN project that aims to effectively engage vulnerable groups, including new migrant groups, in the planning and assessment of nature-based solutions in urban areas. Ability to work in international scientific and policy processes I have promoted and implemented a consultative leadership style in my work as Co-Chair of the EKLIPSE Expert Working Group and Coordinating Lead Author of the IPBES Values Assessment. My colleagues appreciated by strategic advice and direction, prompt and caring guidance, positive feedback and commitment to high quality and timely results and outputs. Separately both Swedish and Finnish Governments have appreciated my willingness to synthesise knowledge on the IPBES Values Assessment (in accordance with IPBES protocols) to support their reviews of the First Order Draft and Second Order Draft. I am also actively engaged in the Finnish Nature Panel as an expert advisor on IPBES processes, and supporter of the vision and mission of IPBES. In summary, he has the expertise and demonstrated experiences to be an excellent and enthusiastic MEP member committed to restoring biodiversity and facilitating rapid transformations toward sustainability. |
9 March 2022 |
| Canada | Dr. Ellen Kenchington | Female | Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Government of Canada | CV_ellen_kenchington.pdf | Dr. Kenchington is a highly productive senior scientist with Fisheries & Oceans Canada with extensive international research networks and a high level of experience in working at the science-policy interface. She has conducted foundational research on all aspects of biodiversity from genes to ecosystems, and has led international research teams documenting the ecosystem services provided by deep-sea benthic organisms. Her career dossier has given her a high level of scientific credibility (over 160 journal publications, 125 technical reports, 27 data submissions; h-index 42) and experience in conducting integrative analyses, as for example, co-lead of the chapter for Marine Genetic Resources in the UN World Ocean Assessment II. She has direct experience in state-of-the-art methodologies across a number of disciplines which gives her the capacity to critically review research outputs involving diverse approaches such as oceanographic climate projection, species distribution models, genome sequencing and connectivity analyses amongst others. Dr. Kenchington can draw on a large network of individuals, organisations and institutions across the world engaged in research on biodiversity and ecosystem services, as demonstrated by her collaborative work under three EU Horizon 2020 projects and with FAO. Dr. Kenchington has extensive experience working with non-scientists responsible for implementing policy, and with the general public. With over 15 years experience as an undergraduate lecturer at Dalhousie University she is comfortable speaking in front of large audiences and in smaller settings. For example, she has been an invited panelist at two UN DOALOS workshops on vulnerable marine ecosystems prior to reporting to the UNGA, and has worked with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) as an expert advisor on vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) where she has made presentations on VMEs in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Mauritius, Europe. This knowledge sharing has led to the establishment of a number of closed areas in the high seas put in place by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations and Arrangements (RFMO/A). The paper trail evidencing her influence is particularly strong in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) RFMO where she has been a regular member of the scientific bodies associated with ecosystem science. Her publications and participation in meetings with managers in both NAFO and Canada has led to the establishment of over 50 protected areas in that region, including most recently the closure to fishing of all seamounts in the northwest Atlantic with summits above 4000 m – demonstrating that she is effective at both producing and communicating science to managers. She has a sincere commitment to integrating information from all three major knowledge systems, scientific knowledge, indigenous knowledge, and knowledge of local communities and users of the contributions of nature to people. With ten years experience undertaking scallop stock assessments she held Town Hall meetings in small fishing communities and worked directly with fishers to improve resource management. She continues to respect and consider indigenous knowledge and is a strong proponent of “two-eyed seeing”, an integrative learning system “to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledges and ways of knowing ... and learning to use both these eyes together, for the benefit of all”. She also has been active as a national representative on the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Scientific Committee where she plays a role in strategic planning for the 100+ ICES working groups convening each year and for their annual science conference. She has engaged in scientific meetings of the International Seabed Authority working to establish approaches for standardizing taxonomic identification in the deep-sea for both megafauna and microbial working groups, and has worked closely with the Convention on Biological Diversity and in associated side events, specifically with respect to identification of Ecological or Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs). In particular she led the workflow in the CBD Northwest Atlantic Regional Workshop drafting EBSA proforma which were subsequently adopted by the CBD COP. Most recently she has worked with the IUCN Fisheries Expert Group (FEG) in co-chairing a workshop on OECMs through ICES, which she subsequently presented to a European Commission, DG Environment workshop towards implementing the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and separately to the European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD) Secretariat of the European Parliament Intergroup on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development. She is a member of the Pool of Experts for the UN Bureau for the World Ocean Assessment (WOA) I and II. |
9 March 2022 |
| Switzerland | Prof. Markus Fischer | Male | University of Bern, Switzerland | CV_markus_fischer.pdf | Markus Fischer is an internationally widely known biodiversity scientist with very broad expertise and longstanding national and international experience in linking science with policy advice. While highly active in research on the direct and indirect causes and consequences of biodiversity change, Markus Fischer serves in several important functions at the interface of science and society. Prof. Fischer has been involved in IPBES very prominently as current member of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel, as Co-chair of the Regional Assessment of Europe and Central Asia, as scoping expert and member of the management committee of the IPBES Global Assessment and of the ongoing IPBES Assessment on Transformative Change, and he was among the experts developing the IPBES conceptual framework. As chair of the Swiss Biodiversity Forum, i.e. the science-policy competence center for biodiversity, of the Swiss Academy of Sciences he also served as member of the Swiss delegation at the IPBES founding meeting in Panama as well as several Plenary meetings of IPBES. In short, he combines excellent and highly relevant expertise with an exceptionally broad experience in serving IPBES in various functions. His science-policy experience is rooted in various activities relevant in the IPBES context. He was member of the National Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation, was chair of the Swiss Botanical Society, is chair of the Senate Commission for Fundamental Issues on Biodiversity of the German Research Foundation DFG, and is member of the Advisory Council to the German Government on Global Environmental Change. He is co-leading large interdisciplinary research programs in Switzerland, Germany, and Tanzania, and is involved in further ones in several European countries, in Bolivia, Nepal and China, all related to the causes and consequences of biodiversity change, and its relation to people. The close partnership of government and academia has a long tradition in Switzerland. This has been proven by the elaboration of the national biodiversity strategy which was carried out in close and fruitful collaboration with the Swiss Biodiversity Forum or by the joint efforts of Federal Office of the Environment and the Swiss Biodiversity Forum to run a national platform for IPBES in Switzerland and to host IPBESs ECA Technical Support Unit at the institute of Prof. Fischer at the University of Bern. |
9 March 2022 |
| Canada | Dr. Catherine Febria | Female | University of Windsor | CV_catherine_febria.pdf | Dr Catherine Febria is the Canada Research Chair in Freshwater Restoration Ecology and an Assistant Professor at University of Windsor. Canada Research Chairs are prestigious awards: with this award, Dr Febria is nationally recognized as an exceptional emerging researcher and a world leader in her field. She directs a multidisciplinary research team and lab, the Healthy Headwaters Lab, focusing on human and ecological dimensions to freshwater restoration science. In addition to bringing expertise in freshwater ecosystems, a discipline that has been under-represented at the MEP, Dr Febria’s multidisciplinary and multiscale approach brings with it broad expertise that would make her a particularly valuable member of the MEP. For example, one focus of her current work is the Great Lakes, a system under high anthropogenic pressure, and she extends beyond ecology to include ecosystem services and restoration in her program. Importantly, she takes an inclusive approach that centers Indigenous and local knowledge systems, and she works directly with Indigenous knowledge keepers and local stakeholder groups. This practical and open approach has high relevance to IPBES. She also has considerable experience in communicating science to non-expert audiences. Since 2020, she has served as the Co-Chair of International Science Advisory Panel for New Zealand’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, a 5-year appointment. She has been active in IPBES since 2015, including as an Inaugural Fellow for the Asia-Pacific Regional Assessment and in 2020 as a Scoping Expert for the Nexus Assessment. |
9 March 2022 |