Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ

To reverse the ongoing loss of biological diversity, this 2-page summary paper from the Leipzig workshop of the Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, Germany, seeks to identify "the optimal niche and conditions for the creation of an independent and effective international knowledge-policy interface for biodiversity governance." This workshop took place on October 2 - 4 2006 as part of a series of consultative meetings under the title of an International Mechanism of Scientific Expertise on Biodiversity (IMoSEB). The workshop sought to respond to the call for a new global coordinating mechanism to provide a united scientific voice to stop, as stated here, the “major biodiversity crises”. It argues that the creation of an independent and effective advisory body to examine the cross-cutting issue of biodiversity change needs to be made up of a broad variety of institutions from the local to the global level, including scientific as well as traditional knowledge.



The document gives the following points as its mandate:
• the synthesis and communication of a knowledge base on biodiversity;
• the assembly of diverse perspectives and values regarding biodiversity loss and change;
• the creation of a mechanism for dialogue and exchange among holders of diverse knowledge and knowledge system;
• the fostering of understanding of how biodiversity loss and change transcend scales (spatial, temporal, etc.) and jurisdictional boundaries; and
• the enhancement and improvement of abilities to collect, exchange, and disseminate
knowledge and information, in order to promote action on biodiversity management.



The document lists a number of outputs and outcomes including:
• Analyses of the causes of biodiversity loss;
• Management of biodiversity knowledge;
• Comprehensive outreach and communication strategy in support of dialogue and action;
• Identification of knowledge gaps;
• Identification of gaps in capacity for linking biodiversity knowledge to action; and
• Creation and dissemination of tools and methodologies for assessments, among others.

Its recommendations on process include:
1) Establish secure funding stream from multiple sources;
2) Networking process that links and builds upon diverse existing networks of biodiversity expertise;
3) Catalyse nested networks and activities at national and sub-global levels;
4) Ensure interpretation and translation among relevant languages, cultures, and knowledge traditions; and
5) Establish a small and effective coordinating mechanism, among others.

It concludes with questions on appropriate funding, frameworks, and authorisation mechanisms; appropriate means for developing networks; and linking the mechanism, once created, to international conventions.