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Lessons from COP15 on effective scientific engagement in biodiversity policy processes.
Carlos Carroll1, Sean Hoban2, Justina C Ray3
1Klamath Center for Conservation Research, Orleans, California, USA.
Conservation Biology : the Journal of the Society for Conservation Biology
|September 28, 2023
Summary
Scientists can improve global biodiversity policy by enhancing communication and engagement skills. Addressing complexity, scaling, and the interplay of science and values is crucial for effective policy development and implementation.
Area of Science:
- Ecological and evolutionary science
- Biodiversity policy
- Conservation science
Background:
- The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted in December 2022, highlighting the need to integrate scientific evidence into policy.
- Challenges exist in translating complex ecological and evolutionary science into actionable biodiversity policy targets.
- Analogous challenges have been observed in global climate negotiations, indicating systemic issues in science-policy interfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how ecological and evolutionary science can more effectively inform biodiversity policy.
- To identify key challenges limiting scientists' engagement in the biodiversity policy process.
- To draw lessons from the development of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of challenges in scientific engagement within the biodiversity policy process.
- Comparison with challenges faced in global climate negotiations.
- Case study contrasting the development of two GBF elements: Target 4 (genetic diversity) and protected areas targets.
Main Results:
- Biodiversity's multifaceted nature and its framing as 'nature's contributions to people' complicate evidence-based target setting.
- Multiscalar drivers of biodiversity change challenge the creation of globally standardized evidence bases.
- Target 4's genetic diversity component required novel engagement skills due to its complexity, while protected areas targets, though simpler to communicate, had indirect biodiversity outcomes necessitating strong scientific evidence.
Conclusions:
- Scientists must prioritize communication, consensus-building, and networking skills to enhance the effectiveness of global agreements.
- Engagement throughout the policy process, from evidence base development to implementation, is vital.
- Addressing complexity, scaling, capacity limitations, and the science-values interplay are key to successful biodiversity policy.
Keywords:
Convención sobre la Diversidad BiológicaConvention on Biological DiversityMarco Global de la Biodiversidadbiodiversity monitoringdiversidad genéticaecological scaleescala ecológicagenetic diversityglobal biodiversity frameworkmonitoreo de la biodiversidadMore Related Videos
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