IPBES 12: Global biodiversity meeting begins at Manchester

The 12th session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES 12) in Manchester marks a pivotal moment in global environmental governance. Often referred to as the 'IPCC for biodiversity,' IPBES was established in 2012 by 94 governments with a crucial mandate: 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. Its formation was a direct response to the escalating global biodiversity crisis and the recognized gap in providing policymakers with actionable, scientifically sound assessments on the state of nature, similar to what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) does for climate change. The core focus of IPBES 12 is the 'biodiversity and business assessment.' This assessment is groundbreaking because it explicitly links the economic activities of businesses to their impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. For too long, biodiversity loss has been treated as an environmental externality, separate from core business operations. This assessment aims to change that narrative by providing a comprehensive understanding of how businesses depend on and impact biodiversity, and critically, how these impacts can be measured, reported, and ultimately, mitigated or reversed. The expected outcomes will offer a set of guiding principles and recommendations, influencing corporate strategies and governmental policies for the next decade. Key stakeholders involved in this process are diverse and numerous. Foremost among them are the **member states** of IPBES, currently numbering over 140, who direct its work and are responsible for implementing its findings at national levels. The **scientific community** plays an indispensable role, contributing expertise, data, and rigorous analysis to produce the assessments. **Businesses and industry associations** are crucial stakeholders, not only because they are the subject of the assessment but also because their engagement is vital for successful implementation of any recommendations. **Civil society organizations and indigenous communities** also contribute significantly, providing local knowledge, advocacy, and monitoring efforts. Finally, **IPBES itself**, through its Secretariat, Bureau, and expert panels, acts as the facilitator and coordinator of this complex intergovernmental process. For India, the outcomes of IPBES 12 hold immense significance. India is one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, home to 7-8% of recorded species, and is a global hotspot for biodiversity. Its vast population is heavily dependent on ecosystem services for livelihoods, from agriculture and fisheries to forestry. The 'biodiversity and business assessment' will provide crucial insights for India's push towards sustainable development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). It can guide Indian businesses, from large corporations to MSMEs, in adopting more sustainable practices, thereby reducing their ecological footprint and enhancing their resilience. This is particularly relevant given India's rapid economic growth and industrialization. Historically, the global recognition of biodiversity loss gained traction with the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, which led to the **Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)**. India is a signatory to the CBD. The previous **Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2010-2020)** largely failed to be met, underscoring the need for stronger science-policy interfaces like IPBES. The recent **Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)**, adopted in December 2022, sets ambitious new targets for 2030, including Target 15 which specifically calls for businesses to assess, monitor, and transparently disclose their risks, dependencies, and impacts on biodiversity. The IPBES 12 assessment directly feeds into the implementation mechanisms for this critical target, offering the scientific underpinning for how businesses can meet these obligations. India's commitment to environmental protection is enshrined in its Constitution. **Article 48A** of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates that 'the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.' Furthermore, **Article 51A(g)**, a Fundamental Duty, states that 'it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.' To operationalize these principles, India has enacted crucial legislation like the **Environment (Protection) Act, 1986**, and more specifically, the **Biological Diversity Act, 2002**, which established the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and State Biodiversity Boards. The IPBES recommendations will offer a scientific basis for strengthening these existing laws and policies, potentially leading to new regulations or guidelines for corporate environmental responsibility, biodiversity offsetting, and green financing mechanisms. Looking ahead, the future implications are profound. The IPBES 12 outcomes are expected to accelerate the mainstreaming of biodiversity considerations into national economic planning and corporate decision-making globally. We can anticipate increased pressure on businesses for transparent biodiversity reporting, similar to climate-related financial disclosures. This could lead to the development of new metrics for biodiversity performance, the growth of 'nature-positive' investments, and the integration of biodiversity risk into financial assessments. For India, this translates into an opportunity to lead in sustainable business practices, attract green investments, and ensure that its economic growth does not come at the irreparable cost of its invaluable natural heritage. It reinforces the idea that environmental protection is not a barrier to development but a prerequisite for sustainable prosperity, fostering a 'whole-of-society' approach to biodiversity conservation.