Key Insights from the 10th IPBES Plenary on Biodiversity

Overview of the 10th Plenary of IPBES

The 10th plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), held in Bonn, Germany, centered on the approval of a significant scientific assessment report regarding “Invasive Alien Species and their Control.” This report is vital as invasive alien species are major contributors to biodiversity loss.

Understanding Invasive Alien Species

Invasive alien species are defined as plants, animals, or pathogens that are not native to a specific ecosystem. Their introduction and spread can lead to environmental degradation, economic detriment, and adverse effects on human health. Globally, they are recognized as one of the primary factors driving biodiversity loss.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Formulated in December 2022, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted by 193 members of the Convention on Biological Diversity. It outlines 23 targets aimed at preserving ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity by the year 2030. Notably, Target 6 focuses explicitly on addressing the impacts of invasive alien species.

Details of Target 6 of the GBF

Target 6 sets ambitious goals to eliminate, minimize, reduce, and mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services by 2030. Among its objectives is a commitment to prevent and reduce the introduction and establishment rates of invasive alien species by at least 50% in the same timeframe.

The Role of IPBES Reports in Biodiversity Conservation

Reports produced by IPBES serve as a crucial, authoritative source of information regarding biodiversity and ecosystem services. They significantly influence international policies and actions. For instance, the assessments conducted by IPBES have been fundamental in establishing the scientific groundwork for the GBF.

Current IPBES Assessments

In addition to the assessment on invasive alien species, IPBES is actively working on three further assessments, which are anticipated to be finalized by 2030:

• The nexus assessment, examining the interconnections between biodiversity, water, food, and health.
• The transformative change assessment, focusing on the root causes of biodiversity loss and strategies to fulfill the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity.
• The business and biodiversity assessment, analyzing the impact of businesses on biodiversity and the contributions of nature to human well-being.

Significance of the 10th Plenary for Future Biodiversity Policies

The 10th plenary marks IPBES's first meeting following the adoption of the GBF, and it is poised to influence the implementation of its targets through comprehensive scientific assessments. The resolutions and reports ratified during this plenary will steer global initiatives aimed at effective biodiversity conservation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What was the focus of the 10th plenary of IPBES?
Answer: The 10th plenary of IPBES focused on approving the scientific assessment report on "Invasive Alien Species and their Control," a crucial topic affecting biodiversity globally.

Q2. What are invasive alien species?
Answer: Invasive alien species are non-native plants, animals, or pathogens that can harm ecosystems, economies, and human health, leading to significant biodiversity loss.

Q3. What is Target 6 of the GBF?
Answer: Target 6 aims to reduce the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services by 2030, with specific goals for preventing their introduction and establishment.

Q4. How do IPBES reports contribute to conservation efforts?
Answer: IPBES reports provide authoritative knowledge on biodiversity, influencing international policies and actions, including those related to the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Q5. What other assessments is IPBES working on?
Answer: IPBES is working on assessments related to the nexus of biodiversity, water, food, health, transformative change, and the impact of business on biodiversity.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary focus of the 10th plenary of IPBES?
A) Approval of biodiversity assessments
B) Control of invasive alien species
C) Adoption of new environmental policies
D) Development of economic strategies
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What is the main goal of Target 6 of the GBF?
A) Increase biodiversity by 2050
B) Eliminate invasive species impacts by 2030
C) Promote economic growth through biodiversity
D) Establish protected areas for all species
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: How many targets does the Kunming-Montreal GBF include?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 23
D) 30
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: Which of the following is NOT an assessment IPBES is working on?
A) Business and biodiversity assessment
B) Impact assessment on human health
C) Nexus assessment on biodiversity
D) Transformative change assessment
Correct Answer: B