Effectively tackling biodiversity loss and protecting life on Earth is an urgent task that requires sound science underpinning robust policy initiatives. In that regard, the role of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is crucial in generating and disseminating high-quality, credible, multidisciplinary science on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

IPBES was established in 2012 as an independent intergovernmental body to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services. It has since been fulfilling its role, providing evidence-based and policy-relevant information, and aiming to foster the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being, and sustainable development. The IPBES Plenary, made up of representatives of the 147 IPBES Member States with the participation of stakeholders and observer states, meets once a year.

IPBES-11 focused on approving two assessments under the Platform’s work programme:

• the thematic assessment of the interlinkages among biodiversity, water, food and health (nexus assessment); and
• the thematic assessment of the underlying causes of biodiversity loss and the determinants of transformative change and options for achieving the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity (transformative change assessment).

The nexus assessment examines the interlinkages among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to food (SDG 2) and water security (SDG 6), health for all (SDG 3), protecting biodiversity on land (SDG 15) and in the oceans (SDG 14) and combating climate change (SDG 13). The transformative change assessment aims to analyze behavioral, social, cultural, economic, institutional, technical, and technological factors that may be leveraged to bring about transformative change, while taking into account broader socioeconomic objectives.

Delegates at IPBES-11 further addressed:

• the scoping report for a second global assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services;
• the report on progress on engagement with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), including further action;
• the report of the Executive Secretary on progress in the implementation of the rolling work programme up to 2030;
• building capacity, strengthening knowledge foundations, and supporting policy;
• improving the effectiveness of the Platform; and
• institutional, financial, and budgetary arrangements.

IPBES-11 was held from 10-16 December 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia. It was preceded by the IPBES-11 Stakeholder Day on 9 December. Stakeholder Days have been organized prior to every session of the IPBES Plenary to provide a forum for stakeholder engagement, bringing together stakeholders from scientific, Indigenous and local communities, and civil society organizations.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) writers for this meeting were Asterios Tsioumanis, Ph.D.; Vijay Kolinjivadi, Ph.D.; Moritz Petersmann; and Cleo Verkuijl. The Photographer was Kiara Worth, Ph.D. The Editor was Pam Chasek, Ph.D.