The conceptual framework of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services/IPBES

Abstract

The conceptual framework of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services/IPBES 1. Human life would not be possible without biodiversity and ecosystems. The intervention in nature by human societies to meet their needs, however, has modified the composition, structure and functions of ecosystems and has caused detrimental changes that seriously threaten the long term sustainability of societies around the world. In many cases, biodiversity loss and poverty are trapped in a mutually reinforcing vicious circle. Overall, the efforts made on conservation and on the sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems have not kept pace with increasing human pressures. A stronger response by Governments, public organizations, communities, the private sector, households and individuals thus requires an improved understanding of such pressures and concerted action to change them. 2. The goal of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is to "strengthen the sciencepolicy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development". To achieve this goal, the Platform has four functions: to catalyse the generation of new knowledge; to produce assessments of existing knowledge; to support policy formulation and implementation; and to build capacities relevant to achieving its goal. These interconnected functions are realized in the Platform work programme. A conceptual framework for biodiversity and ecosystems services is required to support the analytical work of the Platform, to guide the development, implementation and evolution of its work programme, and to catalyse a positive transformation in the elements and interlinkages that are the causes of detrimental changes in biodiversity and ecosystems and subsequent loss of their benefits to present and future generations.

Why are social sciences and humanities needed in the works of IPBES? A systematic review of the literature

“…(UNEP/IPBES.MI/2/9, p.17) Particularly after the adoption of the conceptual framework by the IPBES plenary in 2013, the need for extending the relevant expertise to different disciplines from SSH became more apparent (Diaz et al. 2015 ; Joly 2014 ; Borie and Hulme 2015 ). The emphasis on the economic and non-economic value associated with biodiversity has anticipated the need for methodologies and concepts from a broader academic spectrum including e.g.…”