The twelfth session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) kicked off on February 3, 2026, in Manchester, marking a significant milestone as it’s the first time the UK hosts this important event.
Delegates from over 150 countries, along with many biodiversity experts, Indigenous Peoples, and various stakeholders, gathered to connect scientific insights about biodiversity with real-world policies and actions.
A key highlight of the meeting will be the approval of the Summary for Policymakers from the IPBES Business & Biodiversity Report. This extensive three-year assessment involved 80 experts from around the globe, aiming to shed light on how businesses impact biodiversity. It will provide clear evidence and action points for decision-makers on managing business relationships with nature effectively.
On the day before the formal sessions, more than 500 stakeholders participated in what is reported as the most successful IPBES Stakeholder Day to date. This event allowed participants to explore various ways to engage with IPBES’s work.
The formal session began with a unique performance by local artists who used bionic technology to turn plants into musical instruments. This creative start set an inspiring tone for the discussions ahead.
Key figures in the environmental sector, including UK Secretary of State for Environment, Emma Reynolds, and Astrid Schomaker from the Convention on Biological Diversity, delivered powerful messages about the need for urgent action. Reynolds emphasized that across the world, countries are making strides to restore nature. She pointed out that businesses are realizing the benefits of investing in nature, highlighting a hopeful shift in momentum toward biodiversity restoration.
His Majesty King Charles also conveyed a message emphasizing the need for collective action, expressing hope that the discussions during the week would lead to meaningful steps in leveraging public and private finance for biodiversity.
Dr. David Obura, chair of IPBES, noted that Manchester’s rich industrial history makes it a fitting backdrop for discussions on the Business and Biodiversity Assessment. He referenced the recent Global Risks Report that ranked biodiversity loss as a major threat to businesses globally.
The urgency of these discussions is underscored by recent data showing that nearly 1 million species are currently at risk of extinction, according to the IPBES Global Assessment published in 2019. This finding illuminates the pressing need for policies that promote sustainable practices.
As countries continue to collaborate, platforms like IPBES become crucial. They can guide countries and businesses in making informed decisions that align economic growth with sustainable practices, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
For more insights on biodiversity issues, check out the IPBES website.
Source link
Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES),IPBES12,Manchester,Plenary session
