IPBES Calls for Expert Nominations for Second Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has officially opened a call for expert nominations for its second global assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services. This assessment aims to evaluate knowledge that has emerged since the publication of the 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and to assess progress towards sustainability and harmony with nature.

Scheduled for delivery in 2028, the second global assessment seeks to enhance the science-policy interface by providing essential knowledge and policy support tools for decision-makers at local, national and global levels. The assessment will be conducted by a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary team of experts representing diverse backgrounds, disciplines and knowledge systems, including Indigenous and local perspectives, with a strong emphasis on regional and gender balance.

Call for Nominations

IPBES invites qualified experts to apply for participation in the second global assessment. Governments and relevant organizations are encouraged to confirm their applications and submit nominations. Ideal candidates should have experience in regional and global analyses of biodiversity and ecosystem services, particularly in terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine ecosystems. Expertise from the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, indigenous and local knowledge systems and policy-related fields is particularly sought after.

All nominees must be available to attend author meetings, with the first meeting tentatively set for the end of November 2025. The deadline for experts to submit their applications is 28 March 2025, while nominating organizations must complete their submissions by 6 April 2025. Early nominations are encouraged.

Application and Nomination Process

The nomination process involves the following steps:

• Application Submission: Interested experts must complete an application form and attach their curriculum vitae via the dedicated web portal at IPBES Expert Application. New users must first register at IPBES User Registration.
• Government/Organization Approval: Nominating bodies will receive an email with a link to approve and submit nominations.
• Confirmation: Both nominators and nominees will receive email confirmation upon submission.

Experts seeking government nominations should contact their national IPBES focal point, available at IPBES National Focal Points, for information on country-specific procedures and deadlines.

Support for Participants

Experts selected for this assessment are expected to contribute their time on a pro-bono basis. However, participants from developing countries will receive support to attend meetings, while those from developed countries are expected to secure their own funding.

Online Dialogue Meeting

To facilitate engagement and clarify the nomination process, an online dialogue meeting is scheduled for 12 March 2025 at 1 p.m. CET. This session will provide insights into the required expertise and nomination procedures, along with experiences shared by past and current IPBES experts and fellows.

IPBES urges all relevant organizations, institutions and governments to widely disseminate this call and nominate suitable experts to contribute to this critical global initiative. For further details, visit IPBES Official Website.