12 January 2015: The third session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-3) opened on 12 January 2015, in Bonn, Germany. Delegates heard opening statements from dignitaries, regional groups and multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and discussed: organizational matters; membership of the Platform; credentials; and reports from the IPBES Executive Secretary Anne Larigauderie and Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) members on implementing the work programme 2014–2018.

Delegates also deliberated on the task forces on capacity-building, knowledge and data and indigenous and local knowledge systems (ILK). Many delegations welcomed the work undertaken by the capacity-building task force and endorsed the priority actions identified, cautioning against raising unrealistic expectations on Platform deliverables.

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) highlighted opportunities provided through its network, noting a European Commission (EC) initiative led by GBIF providing €3.9 million over five years, to be launched in March 2015. [IISD RS Coverage of IPBES-3]