February 2013: The IPBES Secretariat has outlined a number of elements that the first plenary session of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-1) agreed on for the intersessional process leading towards the second session of the IPBES plenary (IPBES-2).

As set forth in Decision IPBES/1/2, IPBES-1 agreed that there was a need for a clear process for the next intersessional period to ensure that IPBES-2 could take the necessary decisions for the beginning of the implementation of the work programme, including the adoption of a conceptual framework.

In a letter, Achim Steiner, Executive Director, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), also welcomed input to the intersessional process and set dates for the: submission of requests on scientific and technical matters that require the Platform’s attention and action (by 5 May 2013); nominations of experts from members and other stakeholders to participate in the workshop on working with different knowledge systems (by 28 March 2013); and nominations of experts from members and other stakeholders to participate in the workshop on a draft conceptual framework (by 28 March 2013).

Several elements of the intersessional process towards IPBES-1 are still available for comment. [IPBES News] [Report of the first session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services] [IPBES Elements Open for Comment]