Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Importance for Africa ipBes side event at AMCEN. May 28th 2009, Nairobi

Why? 60% of 24 ecosystem services are in decline and expected to be further degraded if no immediate action is taken (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005) A need for increasing translation of scientific knowledge on links between biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being into specific policy action The current science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services is fragmented, uncoordinated, and lacks coherence. Long time gap between scientific findings and policy responses (European Environment Agency report Late lessons from early warnings) General agreement on need for strengthening the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Quick History Proposal to integrate MA Follow-Up Initiative with on-going consultative process towards an international mechanism of scientific expertise on biodiversity (ImoSEB) IMoSEB Consultation International Steering Committee meeting invites UNEP to convene intergovernmental meeting to explore options for merge Concept note presented at CBD COP9 CBD COP9 Decision IX/15 welcomes initiative of UNEP to convene ad-hoc open-ended intergovernmental multi-stakeholder meeting Concept note revised in open e-peer review process Ad-hoc intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder meeting on an IPBES. The Putrajaya meeting UNEP Governing Council decision (GC 25/10) Oct 2007 Nov 2007 May 2008 Nov 2008 Jul-Sep 2008 Feb 2009

Putrajaya - Outcomes Consensus among countries on need to strengthen the science-policy interface Many countries agreed on the need for a new and independent mechanism - some countries however expressed the need for a GAP analysis to guide the decision making process if a new mechanism is needed or if an existing mechanism can be used to strengthen the science-policy interface Most countries agreed on proposed work program (early warning and early lessons, assessments policy support and capacity building) - developing countries called for capacity building as integral part

On Going Process June 2009 Gap Analysis Comments on preliminary gap analysis (UNEP/GC.25/INF/30), through an open e-peer review process - May 2009 Completion of a full gap analysis –July 2009 Consultations with Governments and Other Stakeholders (CPR meetings, key regional meetings such as AMCEN) Outreach and dissemination (website, ML) Establish informal consultative group of experts, regionally balanced to guide on the 2nd IPBES meeting Oct nd IPBES meeting, Intergovernmental consultation-Oct 09,Nairobi

key elements The core mandate could be to provide authoritative, independent, credible, inclusive, and internationally peer-reviewed policy-relevant scientifically based advice on changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services and their implications for human well-being at multiple scales The Platforms overarching goals could be to contribute to more effective decision-making that secures sustainable human development, as well as strengthens scientific linkages among biodiversity and ecosystem-related MEAs and multilateral agencies IPBES could complement, among others, the scientific subsidiary bodies of the biodiversity-related conventions with the needed scientifically credible information on emerging issues in the science of biodiversity and ecosystem services change

Governance Structure Key operating principles Inclusive of intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders and building upon existing networks; Scientifically independent, credible Responsive to policy needs Underpinned by experiences of relevant assessment processes; Continuous monitoring from the outset

Benefits for Africa Highlighting and reinforcing the critical links between biodiversity and ecosystem services with economic and human development. A better understanding supported by credible science on drivers and impacts at multiple scales of biodiversity and ecosystem change Capacity building for African countries Mobilizing and facilitating scientific expertise from African countries in global issues on biodiversity and ecosystem services

Benefits for Africa Fellowship program for young scholars from African countries Building scientific expertise to provide policy relevant technical support in international negotiations relating to biodiversity and ecosystem services Forging closer ties across scientists from multiple disciplines and all countries to encourage knowledge transfer and learning Support regional and national priority setting in strategy development among MEAs.

Resource Center –IPBES Meeting documents –IPBES Official documents –Links and contact information

Thank you See you in Nairobi, October 5-9, nd Intergovernmental meeting on IPBES