Contributors to the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is a monumental work published by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). This comprehensive report was compiled with the collaboration of numerous contributors from around the world, each offering their expertise in various aspects of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)

The IPBES is an international body established to provide policymakers with scientific assessments on the state of the planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems, and ecosystem services they provide to society. It acts as an interface between the scientific community and policymakers, ensuring that decisions on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use are informed by the best available science.

Key Contributors

Scientists and Researchers

The report was drafted by over 145 authors from 50 countries, representing a wide array of expertise including ecology, economics, anthropology, and social sciences. These contributors analyzed existing research and data to synthesize a global perspective on biodiversity trends.

National Governments and Policy Makers

Contributions also originated from national governments and policymakers, providing valuable insights into how biodiversity loss and ecosystem changes impact individual countries. Their involvement aids in ensuring that the report's recommendations are not only globally relevant but also tailored to regional and national contexts.

Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

Recognizing the crucial role of indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation, the report integrated contributions from indigenous peoples and local communities. Their traditional ecological knowledge provided a vital perspective on sustainable resource management and ecosystem stewardship.

Non-Governmental Organizations

Numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were also pivotal in compiling the report, offering both data and advocacy expertise. NGOs like World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Conservation International helped bridge the gap between scientific findings and public awareness, promoting the report's findings to a broader audience.

Compilation Process

The report consists of a Summary for Policymakers (SPM) and six detailed chapters, each scrutinized and accepted during the IPBES Plenary meetings. These sessions involved rigorous peer reviews and extensive discussions among the contributors to ensure accuracy and reliability of the information presented.

Impact and Reception

Since its release, the Global Assessment Report has been a critical tool for understanding and responding to the current biodiversity crisis. It has influenced international agreements, like the Convention on Biological Diversity, and has guided national policies to incorporate biodiversity considerations into economic and development planning.

Global Assessment on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is an extensive evaluation conducted by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Released in 2019, it serves as a critical document assessing the state of the planet's biodiversity and the ecosystem services that support life on Earth.

Purpose and Scope

The report was designed to address the declining trends in global biodiversity and ecosystem services, which are vital for sustaining life. It builds upon previous assessments, including the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity, providing a comprehensive analysis of the interactions between human activities and natural systems.

Key Findings

Biodiversity Loss: The assessment highlights that human activity is causing unprecedented rates of biodiversity loss, with about 1 million species at risk of extinction. This decline in global biodiversity presents a threat not only to the natural world but also to human societies that rely on these ecosystems.
Ecosystem Services: Ecosystem services, which include pollination, clean water, and air purification, are deteriorating due to factors such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
Impact on Human Life: The degradation of biodiversity and ecosystem services has profound impacts on human life, affecting food security, health, and economic development. The report emphasizes the need for transformative changes in how societies interact with nature.

Policy Implications

The Summary for Policymakers (SPM) of the report was approved at the IPBES-7 meeting in Paris, France, in May 2019. It provides a strategic framework for policymakers to address the challenges identified in the report. Emphasizing the importance of integrating biodiversity considerations into all sectors of policy and decision-making, the report calls for immediate action to reverse the trends of biodiversity loss.

Contributors

The report was edited by renowned experts in the field, including E. S. Brondizio, J. Settele, S. Díaz, and H. T. Ngo. These contributions reflect the collaborative effort of scientists and policymakers to synthesize knowledge and provide a robust foundation for action.