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 was 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 authorisation 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 organisation.
• Organisation’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 organisations 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 knowledge holders 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.