First African IPBES plenary to address global biodiversity challenges
IPBES Transformative Change Assessment examines the drivers of biodiversity loss and the system-wide changes needed for its conservation and restoration (Photo: IPBES)
Namibian capital Windhoek will host the historic first African session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Nearly 150 government representatives will gather to tackle urgent global biodiversity challenges, leveraging the best scientific expertise to inform policies aimed at preserving nature and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
According to a press statement, this will be the 11th session of the IPBES, it will mark the first-ever meeting in Africa of the global body responsible for providing decision-makers with top scientific expertise to inform policy and action on nature.
It adds that the key agenda items for the 11th IPBES Plenary include the consideration of two landmark new IPBES assessment reports by member states.
It further adds that the IPBES Nexus Assessment examines the links between biodiversity, water, food, health and climate crises, offering decision-makers integrated solutions for these challenges, rather than addressing them in isolation, to ensure sustainable and just outcomes.
The statement adds that the IPBES Transformative Change Assessment examines the drivers of biodiversity loss and the system-wide changes needed for its conservation and restoration.
It adds that the Plenary will consider approving the scope of the Second Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, a follow-up to the 2019 IPBES report warning that a million species face extinction.
It adds that while the plenary session is closed to media, the opening ceremony on December 10, will be webcast live in morning. The media launch for the IPBES Nexus Report will take place on December 17, followed by the launch of the IPBES Transformative Change Report on December 18. Both launches will also be streamed live.
Dr David Obura
“As the first Chair of IPBES from Africa, it is wonderful to also have the opportunity to conduct the first ever session of the IPBES Plenary on African soil. IPBES11 is tremendously important to inform and help shape policy and actions that support biodiversity and just, sustainable futures for people and nature across the world. I would particularly like to thank President Nangolo Mbumba and all the people of Namibia for their remarkable hospitality and generosity in hosting the IPBES Plenary,” says Dr David Obura, Director of CORDIO.
Pohamba Shifeta
“Let IPBES-11 be a turning point where science, policy, and global collaboration come together to secure a future where biodiversity thrives, and humanity flourishes alongside each other. The findings of the IPBES Nexus and Transformative Change Reports highlight the urgent need for integrated, cross-sectoral approaches. Namibia calls on all stakeholders to strengthen international cooperation, increase financial and technical support for biodiversity-rich nations, and prioritize the inclusion of local communities in conservation strategies,” says Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment and Tourism of Namibia.
