The Intergovernmental science-policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent intergovernmental body established to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development.
It was established in Panama City, on 21 April 2012 by 94 governments. IPBES is placed under the auspices of four United Nations entities: UNEP, UNESCO, FAO and UNDP and administered by UNEP.
The IPBES will also aim to address the needs of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) that are related to biodiversity and ecosystem services: the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention (WHC), the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
