Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)

IPBES was established in April 2012, as an independent intergovernmental body open to all member countries of the United Nations. The members are committed to building IPBES as the leading intergovernmental body for assessing the state of the planet's biodiversity, its ecosystems and the essential services they provide to society.

IPBES provides a mechanism recognized by both the scientific and policy communities to synthesize, review, assess and critically evaluate relevant information and knowledge generated worldwide by governments, academia, scientific organizations, non-governmental organizations and indigenous communities. This involves a credible group of experts in conducting assessments of such information and knowledge in a transparent way. IPBES is unique in that it will aim to strengthen capacity for the effective use of science in decision-making at all levels. IPBES will also aim to address the needs of Multilateral Environmental Agreements that are related to biodiversity and ecosystem services, and build on existing processes ensuring synergy and complementarities in each other's work.

IPBES assessments look at key processes, including climate change, pollution or loss and degradation of natural habitats and their impacts on biodiversity at the regional to global scales. They also aim at assessing the benefits of biodiversity and ecosystem services and functions for people and quality of life as well as for reducing vulnerability to extreme events such as those caused by climate change.