Abstract:
Decision-making on biodiversity and ecosystem services depends on relevant knowledge and information. As the topic is complex and includes different knowledge systems, worldviews, and the interaction between human societies and the natural world, there is a need for experts from different fields to provide support to decision makers. The Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) was established to fill the perceived science-policy gap. IPBES has four defined functions: capacity building; knowledge generation catalysis; assessments; and policy support. Its program addresses these functions utilizing a conceptual framework allowing a coherent treatment of knowledge transfer. Although significant progress is made, IPBES faces challenges that include: providing policy-relevant but not policy-prescriptive information; achieving disciplinary; gender and geographic balance; and blending scientific disciplines with other knowledge systems. IPBES is a global process that attempts to translate knowledge into a format that makes sense to decision makers and being politically recognized; that is, bridging science and policy.
