UKCEH scientists attended the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) 12th Plenary in Manchester last week, which culminated in the approval of the Business and Biodiversity Assessment. This assessment, the first of its kind, provides a blueprint measuring, managing and reducing business impacts on ecosystems.
Taking place in the UK for the first time, the Plenary brought together scientists and policymakers from over 150 member Governments. Throughout IPBES12, the UKCEH delegation took part in a range of sessions and events, engaging with high‑profile attendees including Emma Reynolds MP, the Secretary of State for the Environment; Professor Anjali Goswami, Defra Chief Scientific Officer; Ruth Davis OBE, UK Special Representative for Nature; and Dr David Obura, Chair of IPBES.
Professor Paula Harrison, principal natural capital scientist at UKCEH and co-chair of the IPBES Nexus Assessment comments, “IPBES12 reaffirmed how essential it is to bridge science, business and policy. It was inspiring to see the collaborative and constructive spirit in the negotiations between IPBES experts and governments on the Business and Biodiversity Assessment. It was also great to see how it builds on the IPBES nexus assessment that I had the privilege to co-chair. This highlights that effective solutions require integrated, cross sectoral thinking and detailing concrete actions (100+) for business, finance and governments.”
Professor Helen Roy, principal scientist and co-chair of the IPBES Invasive Species Assessment, adds “The diverse IPBES community provides a voice for biodiversity and ecosystems. It is incredible to observe the co-production of evidence-based assessments and exciting to now have the opportunity to read and share the approved version of the Business and Biodiversity assessment. Safeguarding the future of our planet will depend on the connection of people with nature. IPBES plays a critical role in shaping this future. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to attend the 12th IPBES plenary and celebrate the inspiring work of IPBES.”
Pathways to IPBES
As a key contributor to IPBES and as part of the IPBES12 parallel programme, UKCEH hosted Pathways to IPBES – the next generation of biodiversity experts. This event brought together UKCEH scientists, IPBES Fellows, early‑career researchers, and speakers from IPBES and UNEP-WCMC, with Professor Anjali Goswami, Defra Chief Scientific Officer providing the keynote speech.
Commenting on the event Dr Hazel Jackson, UKCEH Associate Director for Biodiversity and Land Use said, “It was fantastic to see our early‑career researchers working alongside UKCEH’s leading Principal Scientists at IPBES12 biodiversity and business — a powerful combination of fresh insight and world‑class expertise shaping global policy.”
Dr Rob Cooke, an ecological modeller at UKCEH adds, "IPBES is helping to shape the next generation of biodiversity scientists, and the UKCEH early‑career event was a fantastic showcase of that community. IPBES offers a chance to engage directly with the science‑policy interface, breaking down siloes and building the cross‑sector collaborations we need to deliver evidence-based nature recovery."
This event was supported by National Capability for Global Challenges funding from UKRI-NERC.