Transformative Change for Biodiversity – IPBES REPORT

MAINS – GS3 – ENVIRONMENT

Pacific Marine Heatwave and its Impact:

• The 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave wiped out approximately four million seabirds in Alaska, highlighting the severe ecological consequences of climate change on marine life.

Intergovernmental Report on Biodiversity Loss:

• The report, known as the Assessment Report on the Underlying Causes of Biodiversity Loss, also examines transformative changes needed to achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity. It focuses on strategies and actions required for addressing biodiversity loss and fostering global sustainability.

About Transformative Change:

• Definition: Transformative change refers to a fundamental, system-wide shift in views (ways of thinking), structures (organizing and governing), and practices (doing and behaving).
• Four Principles to Guide Transformative Change:
  1. Equity and Justice
  2. Pluralism and Inclusion
  3. Respectful and Reciprocal Human-Nature Relationships
  4. Adaptive Learning and Action
• Five Strategies for Transformative Change for Global Sustainability:
  1. Conserve, Restore, and Regenerate Places of Value: Examples include community forestry programs in Nepal and community-based forest management in India.
  2. Drive Systematic Change in Sectors Responsible for Nature’s Decline: Sectors like agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and urban development must change to halt biodiversity loss.
  3. Transform Economic Systems for Nature and Equity: Biodiversity management needs over $900 billion yearly, but only $135 billion is currently spent. More than 50% of global GDP depends on nature.
  4. Transform Governance Systems to be Inclusive and Accountable: The Galapagos Marine Reserve serves as an example of ecosystem-based governance.
  5. Shift Views to Recognize Human-Nature Interconnectedness: This can be achieved through nature-based experiences, policy support, and integrating Indigenous knowledge into decision-making.

About IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services):

• Established: 2012
• Aim: To strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services, aiming for conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity, human well-being, and sustainable development.
• Headquarters: Bonn, Germany
• Composition: Independent intergovernmental body with 150 member governments. India is a founding member.
• Relationship with the UN: IPBES is not a UN body, but the UN Environment Programme provides secretariat services to IPBES.