Save the dates: second external review of the IPBES nexus and transformative change assessments

Dear IPBES members, observers and other interested stakeholders,

I am pleased to announce the second external review of two IPBES assessments currently in preparation as follows:

• The second draft of the chapters and the first draft of the summary for policymakers of the thematic assessment of the interlinkages among biodiversity, water, food and health (nexus assessment) will be open for external review from 20 November 2023 to 14 January 2024 (8 weeks). 
• The second draft of the chapters and the first draft of the summary for policymakers of the thematic assessment of the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, determinants of transformative change and options for achieving the 2050 vision for biodiversity (transformative change assessment) will be open for external review from 4 December 2023 to 28 January 2024 (8 weeks).

This second external review is addressed to Governments and interested and qualified experts, including scientists, decision makers, practitioners and other knowledge holders. To ensure the highest scientific quality and policy relevance of the assessment, the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel is seeking peer review from the widest-possible participation of experts from all relevant disciplines and backgrounds. To ensure consistency with and continuity from the first external review, those who participated in the first review are particularly invited to send comments.

Information on how to register as a reviewer and access the documents will be shared at the beginning of the respective review period for each assessment.

The Plenary will be invited to consider the summaries for policymakers of the nexus and transformative change assessments for approval and their chapters for acceptance at IPBES 11, currently planned for December 2024.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Anne Larigauderie | Executive Secretary 
Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services