Science supports nature policy

Biodiversity is the foundation of life, and preserving it is crucial for the functioning of ecosystems, human wellbeing and the economy. Scientific knowledge helps understand the causes and impacts of biodiversity loss and the solutions to it. For the actions to be impactful and cost-effective, research-based knowledge and data is needed.

Finnish Nature Panel produces and collects data to support the Government’s nature policy

The Finnish Nature Panel set up under the Nature Conservation Act (9/2023) is an independent scientific expert body that produces, collects and analyses scientific data for the planning, implementation and monitoring of policy actions concerning biodiversity and for making decisions on these.

The panel gives statements to committees, participates in working groups and provides scientific advice in different forums. It also conducts various kinds of surveys and produces reports in support of policy-making and promotes the dialogue between science and policy.

The panel is composed of the highest qualified experts in different fields of science. The panel is appointed by the Government and its term is four years. The panel’s secretariat operates within the Finnish Environment Institute.

Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services 

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) was established in 2012 as an independent body under the auspices of the UN. 

Its main task is to strengthen the science-policy interface for questions related to biodiversity and ecosystem services. 

In particular, IPBES serves in building the knowledge base for the biodiversity agreements and Sustainable Development Goals.

Key tasks:

  1. Assessment reports – IPBES produces extensive scientific assessments of the state of biodiversity, changes in it and its impacts on human wellbeing. The reports also contain scenarios and alternative operating models.
  2. Development of policy support – IPBES offers tools and methods by which the decision-makers can promote the efforts to preserve biodiversity.
  3. Competence building – IPBES promotes the capacity of its member states to use scientific knowledge and data in their policies.
  4. Expanding knowledge base – IPBES collects and evaluates the available research knowledge and data but does not conduct new studies.

Organisation and membership

  • IPBES currently has almost 150 member states (Finland joined in 2012 when IPBES was established).
  • The headquarters is in Bonn, Germany.
  • The Plenary is the governing body of IPBES. It usually meets once per year.
  • The work is supported by the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP), Bureau, Secretariat and Expert Groups and Taskforces.

Achievements

The reports produced by IPBES are highly important in terms of strengthening the knowledge base of the international science policy. They support many different processes, including the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, UN Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Climate Agreement. 

The reports, such as the IPBES Global Assessment on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2019), have shown that biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history, which means that systemic changes across sectoral borders are needed.

Finnish National IPBES Working Group

The Finnish National IPBES Working Group serves as a communication channel between the international work and Finland. Its tasks are to:

  • prepare Finland’s positions for the assessment reports, 
  • promote the participation of Finnish experts in the work,
  • communicate about the outcomes of the work in Finland,
  • support the Ministry of the Environment in preparing for the Plenaries.

The working group is composed of representatives from ministries, research institutes and other key stakeholders.