The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent intergovernmental body established in 2012. It provides evidence-based and policy-relevant information on biodiversity and ecosystem services and aims to foster the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being, and sustainable development. The Plenary, made up of representatives of the 143 IPBES Member States, is the Platform’s governing body and meets once a year. Observer states and stakeholders also participate in Plenary sessions.

The focus of IPBES 10 was the thematic assessment of invasive alien species and their control, whose preparation was approved at IPBES 8. Invasive alien species are a direct driver of biodiversity loss worldwide, but the rapidly growing threat they pose is poorly quantified and little understood by decision makers. To remediate this, the report assesses current trends, impacts, and management options, taking into account various knowledge and value systems. At IPBES 10, the Plenary accepted the report and approved its summary for policymakers.

Other items on the IPBES 10 agenda included:

• engagement with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC);
• progress in building capacity, strengthening knowledge foundations, and supporting policy;
• improvement of the Platform’s effectiveness;
• the IPBES rolling work programme up to 2030; and
• financial and budgetary arrangements.

Delegates also reflected on the preparation of: a second global assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services; a methodological assessment on ecological connectivity; and a methodological assessment on monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem services, which would support the operationalization of the headline indicators of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework recently adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity. 

IPBES 10 was preceded by a Stakeholder Day on 27 August. This annual event brings together scientists, members of Indigenous and local communities, and representatives of civil society organizations to exchange views regarding the issues on the meeting’s agenda.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) writers for this meeting were Jennifer Bansard; Christina Fernandez; María Ovalle; and Asterios Tsioumanis, Ph.D. The Digital Editor was Anastasia Rodopoulou. The Editor was Pam Chasek, Ph.D.