Initial situation 

The project builds on the German government’s support for IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) and responds to requests from developing countries for UNDP to play a role in capacity building for IPBES. This capacity building will contribute to the effective management of biodiversity, ecosystems, and synergies in the implementation of the Rio Conventions for the promotion of sustainable development.

The objective of the project is to help developing countries address science-policy issues highlighted by IPBES by strengthening capacities at the national and regional levels in order to: 1) apply the results of IPBES assessments, as identified by the BES capacity development network (managed by UNDP) and through tripartite dialogue events bringing together scientists, policymakers, and users to address urgent issues. 2) Carry out national assessments of scientific findings on policy issues, in addition to thematic and regional IPBES assessments. This is intended to be achieved through tailored country support, centres of excellence, and the SGA network under the coordination of the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC).