The Intergovernmental Science-policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is designed to be an interface between the global scientific community and policymakers that aims at building capacity for and strengthening the use of science in policymaking.  Approved by the UN General Assembly in early 2011, the framework and responsibilities of the IPBES are being negotiated at two plenary meetings in 2011 and early 2012, organized under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in cooperation with UNESCO, FAO and UNDP.  Like IPCC, it is being established with the intention of ensuring that the best available science is offered to Governments and decision makers.

This session was designed to inform and update the Washington science and policy communities on the rationale and plans for the IPBES, describe the progress at the first IPBES plenary session, and explore opportunities for scientists, scientific societies, and NGOs to contribute to both the shaping and the execution of IPBES, in order to maximize its value for both scientific understanding and policy formulation.  DIVERSITAS has been designated by ICSU to represent the science community in those sessions.  The US National Committee for DIVERSITAS, chaired by Peter Raven, has been funded by NSF to work with relevant scientific organizations to educate and engage the U.S. science community with regard to the IPBES.  This informational public forum, and the discussions with the audience, is the first step in the USNC’s process.

More information on IPBES is available here.