As biodiversity loss continues at an alarming rate, the 12th Plenary session of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) delivered a new methodological assessment focused on a specific type of actor: businesses.

Over the last three years, scientists and experts have compiled and evaluated evidence on the impacts and dependencies of business on biodiversity to produce a new IPBES assessment. The report will improve understanding and awareness of the interlinkages between businesses and biodiversity, methodologies for assessing such interlinkages, the potential contribution of businesses to the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity defined in the Global Biodiversity Framework, and how other actors can foster such contributions. It will help to support businesses to implement nature-positive approaches. The Plenary will be invited to accept the report and approve its summary for policymakers.

In terms of assessment reports, IPBES 12 also considered progress on the planned methodological assessment of integrated biodiversity-inclusive spatial planning and ecological connectivity and the second global assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Delegates further reflected on proposals for an additional report to be prepared up to 2030, with suggestions to focus on biodiversity-interlinkages with: pollution, poverty, cities, or climate change, among others.

Other items on the IPBES 12 agenda included:

• the outcomes of the IPBES external review, including specific recommendations for the further implementation of the rolling work programme up to 2030;
• the election of the 25 members for the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel, five of whom are be nominated by each of the five United Nations regions; and
• the draft policy and procedures for the admission of observers.

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 nearly 150 IPBES Member States, is the Platform’s governing body and meets once a year. Observer states and stakeholders also participate in Plenary sessions.

IPBES 12 convened in Manchester, United Kingdom, from 3–8 February 2026. The Plenary was preceded by a Stakeholder Day on 2 February. The Stakeholder Day 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; Daniel Bertram; Christina Fernandez; and Cristina Mundin. The Digital Editor was Anastasia Rodopoulou. The Editor was Pam Chasek, Ph.D.