Why in the News?

The 11th plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) took place in Namibia to discuss key scientific findings and evidence addressing the global biodiversity crisis.

About IPBES

IPBES aims to improve the interface between science and policy on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Membership: Comprises over 130 member governments.
Purpose: Provides scientific assessments to guide governments, the private sector, and civil society in decision-making on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Establishment:
- Formally established in April 2012 when 90 countries signed its founding statement.
- Originated from a 2010 UN General Assembly resolution urging the UN Environment Programme to convene a meeting for its formation.
Structural Mandate:
- Led by a Plenary (main decision-making body) with representatives from member states.
- Operates on a consensus principle, meeting annually to decide on work programs, budgets, and reports.
Key Functions:
- Assessments: Develop global and regional assessments on biodiversity themes.
- Policy Support: Provide tools and methodologies for policymakers.
- Capacity Building: Enhance knowledge and capabilities among members.
- Outreach: Ensure effective communication and impact.
Notable Achievements:
- 2019: Released the Global Assessment Report on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- 2020: Preliminary report on international cooperation to reduce pandemic risks.
- 2021: Co-sponsored a biodiversity and climate change workshop report with IPCC.
- 2022: Awarded the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, shared with IPCC.
Unique Contributions:
- Introduced the term “Nature’s Contributions to People” (NCPs) as an alternative to ecosystem services.
- Compiles knowledge from diverse sources, including scientific literature, indigenous knowledge, and local expertise.

Key Highlights on the Global Environment:

Biodiversity Loss: 1 million species face extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution.
Climate Change Impact: Global warming is significantly threatening ecosystems and species.
Deforestation: Large-scale deforestation disrupts ecosystems and contributes to carbon emissions.
Water Scarcity: Freshwater ecosystems are under threat from pollution and over-extraction.
Ecosystem Services: Decline in vital services like clean air, water, and food.
Global Cooperation: Urgent need for global action to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.
Biodiversity and Health: Emphasis on the One Health approach to link human, animal, and environmental health.

Key Highlights on the Asian Region:

Biodiversity: Asia hosts half the world’s biodiversity but faces major threats from habitat loss and climate change.
Pollution and Urbanization: Rapid urbanization is increasing pollution, affecting health and the environment.
Climate Change: Vulnerable to floods, droughts, and rising sea levels impacting agriculture and settlements.
Forest Loss: Deforestation, especially in Indonesia, India, and Malaysia, threatens ecosystems.
Marine Biodiversity: Marine life is under pressure from overfishing and pollution.
Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting sustainable farming to reduce environmental impact.
Protected Areas: Despite progress, conservation management remains a challenge.

PYQ:

[2012] The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services-provisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is supporting service?

(a) Production of food and water

(b) Control of climate and disease

(d) Maintenance of diversity

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Why in the News?

About IPBES

Key Highlights on the Global Environment:

Key Highlights on the Asian Region:

PYQ:

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