Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

About IPBES: 

• It is an independent intergovernmental body established in 2012.
• It provides policymakers with objective scientific assessments about the state of knowledge regarding the planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems and the benefits they provide to people, as well as the tools and methods to protect and sustainably use these vital natural assets.
• This independent body inspired by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment.
• It is not a United Nations body.  However, at the request of the IPBES Plenary and with the authorization of the UNEP Governing Council in 2013, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides secretariat services to IPBES. India is a member country of this organization.Organization’s structure
  • Plenary: The governing body of IPBES – made up of the representatives of IPBES member States – usually meets once per year.
  • Observers: Any State not yet a member of IPBES; the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other biodiversity-related conventions; related UN bodies; as well as many other relevant organizations and agencies.
  • Bureau: Comprising the IPBES Chair, four Vice-Chairs and five additional officers who oversee the administrative functions of IPBES.
  • Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP): Five expert participants from each of the five UN regions, overseeing all IPBES scientific and technical functions.
  • Stakeholders: All contributors to and end-users of the IPBES outputs.
  • Expert Groups & Taskforces: Selected scientists and knowledgeholders carrying out the IPBES assessments and other deliverables.
  • Secretariat (Includes Technical Support Units): Ensures the efficient functioning of IPBES through support to the Plenary, Bureau and MEP, as well as implementing the Platform’s work and administrative functions. 

Q1) What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life found in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.

Source: Invasive alien species in focus at 10th plenary of IPBES