9 May 2014: The Plenary of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), through Decision IPBES-2/2 (para 3), requested that the interim Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) prepare a report by June 2014, reflecting on “the lessons learned with regards to its functioning and how to improve it.” The report, now published, highlights nine lessons learned.

The report, titled ‘Lessons Learned from the IPBES Interim MEP,’ highlights that the selection of Committee Members must be improved, pointing out that there are neither enough social scientists and economists, nor marine specialists. It also emphasizes that candidates for the MEP must be aware of the time commitment and travel costs. It notes that having MEP co-chairs works well.

The report, while recommending that MEP members should serve full three-year terms, underscores that the relationship between the MEP and the Bureau has been very positive and productive and that external observers, while valuable, should be handled with care. Furthermore, the report highlights that the presence of substantial numbers of external observers can inhibit open dialogue and can potentially influence discussions in ways not necessarily consistent with the need for the MEP to be held accountable for its decisions. It concludes, finally, that face to face meetings, keeping with and updating the Code of Practice, and support from the Secretariat are all important elements to its function. [IPBES News] [Publication: Lessons Learned from the IPBES Interim MEP]