Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

The Scientific assessments and monitoring are a crucial part of any effective decision-making process. The scientific bodies of the MEAs (Multilateral Environmental Agreements) facilitate evidence-based decision-making to address the societal challenges in sustainable development. Within the MEAs, assessment reports and scientific evidences evaluate consequences of real policy options to select the best response. In the context of MEAs on biodiversity conventions, there are several initiatives and organizations contribute to bring information together and synthesize and analyses it for policy making. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) and the Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO) among others are the most comprehensive assessments on biodiversity to date. These global assessments have been designed and lunched to respond the scientific information of MEAs in the biodiversity cluster and to track causes and consequences of anthropogenic ecosystem changes. However, some evaluations concluded that those models have limited impact on policy formulation and decision-making. In this regard, the lack of fully developed science-assessment mechanisms at the international level, and a meaningful engagement between global science and international politics required an effective science-policy interface among the biodiversity cluster. Indeed, by enhancing interfaces it enables more coherent and consistent decision-making on biodiversity at the global, regional and national level. This paper, considers the existing models and tools regarding global assessments in the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services, identifies its challenges and outlines new platforms to fill in the gaps for creating scientifically credible and policy-relevant decision-making towards biodiversity conservation.

Biography

Nafiseh completed her bachelor and master in environmental sciences in Tehran, Iran. She has four years working experience in the National Iranian Oil Engineering and Construction Company (NIOEC), department of environment, as an environmental officer. Her main responsibility was assessing environmental and social impacts of national and international oil projects especially in environmentally sensitive areas. She also has various experiences in cooperating with NGOs, science centers and educational organizations in enhancing environmental education and public awareness