Topics Covered and Outcome
IPBES was established to improve the interface between science and policy on issues of biodiversity and ecosystem services. It produces important findings for decision making and stakeholders in the field of biodiversity.
During this year’s ninth session, which took place from 3 to 9 July in Bonn, the platform planned to approve two new reports highlighting the diverse uses and values of wildlife to humans and non-humans. The result of IPBES 9 was the publishing of two landmark reports, the “Assessment report on the sustainable use of wild species” and the “Methodological assessment regarding the diverse conceptualization of multiple values of nature and its benefits”. With thousands of references and dozens of contributing authors, these reports present important scientific and political consensus.
Additionally, the scoping report for the assessment on business and biodiversity was approved. With these various approvals, the IPBES secretariat may continue on its path towards publication.
20 students of the Elite Graduate Program "Global Change Ecology" at the University of Bayreuth volunteered to work alongside the IPBES secretariat at this year's ninth session. During that time, these students contributed to the success of the event and assisted the secretariat with various tasks such as: registration, operating the help desk, managing the various social media and IT outlets, organization and management of various areas of responsibility. When asked about their experiences, not only volunteering but also observing the lively event, all participants provided positive feedback and would take over these responsibilities again.
Text: Alex Nadolny & Zachary Zeller, Master students in the Elite Graduate Program “Global Change Ecology”