18 December 2013
IPBES-2 Adopts the Antalya Consensus, Appoints First Executive Secretary
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The second session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-2) concluded with the adoption of the Antalya Consensus, a set of decisions detailing the Platform's work programme, operating procedures and relationship with the United Nations.

The Plenary also announced the appointment of Anne Larigauderie as the first IPBES Executive Secretary.

ipbes214 December 2013: The second session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-2) concluded with the adoption of the Antalya Consensus, a set of decisions detailing the Platform’s work programme, operating procedures and relationship with the UN. The Plenary also announced the appointment of Anne Larigauderie as the first IPBES Executive Secretary.

The Antalya Consensus, meant to operationalize the Platform, addresses: the work programme for 2014-2018, including fast track, thematic, regional and sub-regional assessments and activities for building capacities; a conceptual framework that considers different knowledge systems; and rules and procedures for the Platform on, inter alia, the nomination of future Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) members and procedures for the preparation of the Platform’s deliverables. Some of the rules and procedures and issues on communications and stakeholder engagement were tabled for discussion at subsequent meetings.

With regard to fast track and assessments, IPBES agreed to develop a set of assessments on pollination and food production, land degradation and invasive species meant to support the science behind policy making. The first assessment, to be available as early as December 2015, will look at pollination and food production, while the second will focus on the global status of land degradation and restoration, and its effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services and human wellbeing.

The Plenary also decided on a partnership arrangement with four UN agencies, establishing an institutional link with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN (FAO), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). According to IPBES, “the arrangement is intended to provide a framework for collaboration between the four UN bodies and IPBES, recognizing the anticipated roles of each of them in providing specific support to IPBES.”

With regard to funding, IPBES member governments, by the conclusion of the meeting, had pledged a US$25.4 million, approximately half of the US$43.5 million required to fully operationalize the Platform’s work programme.

IPBES-2 met from 9-14 December 2013, in Antalya, Turkey. Over 400 participants attended the meeting, representing IPBES member and non-member governments, UN agencies and convention secretariats, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and various stakeholder groups. [IISD RS Coverage of IPBES-2] [IPBES Press Release] [UNEP Press Release]

 

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