Global Biodiversity Crisis Addressed at IPBES Plenary

The 11th plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is taking place in Namibia from December 10 to December 17, 2024. This event gathers over 850 scientists and representatives from more than 150 countries. The focus is on two critical assessment reports aimed at addressing the global biodiversity crisis.

Nexus Assessment Overview

The Nexus Assessment is a very important report that examines the interconnectedness of biodiversity, water, food, health, and climate change. It emphasises that these global crises often exacerbate one another when treated in isolation. Instead, the report advocates for integrated solutions that provide co-benefits across these sectors. Co-chair Paula Harrison brought into light the ambition of this assessment, which has been in development for three years at a cost exceeding US$1.5 million. It draws on the expertise of 165 international specialists from 57 countries and utilises around 6,500 references.

Transformative Change Assessment

The Transformative Change Assessment focuses on the root causes of biodiversity loss. It seeks to identify systemic changes necessary for conserving and restoring biodiversity. Co-chair Arun Agrawal noted that achieving sustainable development goals requires fundamental reorganisation across technology, economy, and society. This report, also developed over three years at a similar cost, involves 101 experts from 42 countries and incorporates approximately 7,000 references. Its release is scheduled for December 18, 2024.

Importance of International Cooperation

During the plenary, delegates will discuss the approval of the scope for the 2nd Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. This follows the 2019 assessment that warned of the extinction risk faced by one million species. Namibian Minister Pohamba Shifeta urged enhanced international cooperation and support for biodiversity-rich nations. He emphasised the need to involve local communities in conservation efforts.

Future Directions and Assessments

The recent 16th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity proposed five new topics for assessment by IPBES. This reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need to address biodiversity loss. The IPBES is often compared to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for its role in guiding biodiversity-related policies. This plenary marks a historic moment as it is the first time IPBES convenes in Africa.

Conclusion

The discussions and assessments at the IPBES plenary aim to provide a robust scientific foundation for policy decisions. The outcomes will be crucial in shaping global strategies to combat biodiversity loss and promote sustainability.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of international cooperation in addressing global biodiversity loss.
2. Discuss the significance of the Nexus Assessment in understanding the interconnections between biodiversity and other global crises.
3. Analyse the impact of local community involvement in conservation strategies for biodiversity-rich nations.
4. Critically discuss the implications of the Transformative Change Assessment on global sustainability efforts.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of international cooperation in addressing global biodiversity loss.

1. International cooperation facilitates the sharing of resources, knowledge, and technology among nations.
2. It enables coordinated policy responses to biodiversity loss, ensuring unified action across borders.
3. Collaboration through treaties and agreements, like the Convention on Biological Diversity, strengthens commitments to conservation.
4. Financial and technical support for biodiversity-rich nations is crucial for implementing effective conservation strategies.
5. Involving local communities in international efforts ensures that conservation measures are culturally relevant and sustainable.

2. Discuss the significance of the Nexus Assessment in understanding the interconnections between biodiversity and other global crises.

1. The Nexus Assessment marks the interdependencies between biodiversity, water, food, health, and climate change.
2. It advocates for integrated approaches to tackle these issues simultaneously, rather than in isolation.
3. By identifying co-benefits, it provides policymakers with actionable solutions that enhance overall resilience.
4. The assessment draws on extensive research, utilizing 6,500 references from diverse fields to support its findings.
5. It emphasizes the need for collaborative strategies that recognize the complexity of global challenges.

3. Analyse the impact of local community involvement in conservation strategies for biodiversity-rich nations.

1. Local communities possess traditional knowledge that is vital for effective conservation practices.
2. Their involvement encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility towards biodiversity preservation.
3. Engaging communities can lead to more sustainable and context-specific conservation solutions.
4. It enhances social equity by ensuring that local voices are heard in decision-making processes.
5. Community-led initiatives can improve biodiversity outcomes and promote economic benefits through ecotourism and sustainable practices.

4. Critically discuss the implications of the Transformative Change Assessment on global sustainability efforts.

1. The Transformative Change Assessment identifies systemic drivers of biodiversity loss, calling for fundamental changes across sectors.
2. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that integrates technology, economy, and society for sustainable development.
3. About obstacles to transformative change is crucial for developing effective strategies to overcome them.
4. The assessment draws on a wealth of research, incorporating insights from 7,000 references to inform its conclusions.
5. Its findings can guide policymakers in implementing necessary changes to achieve sustainability goals on a global scale.