Press release | Experts available for Interviews on the IPBES Nexus Assessment

Press release

2 Dec

Written By BIONEXT

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) will publish two significant assessments in December: the nexus assessment and the transformative change assessment. To assist media coverage, we are providing a list of IPBES authors available for interviews regarding the nexus assessment and its European perspective.

The Nexus Assessment and Interview Opportunities with IPBES Authors

The nexus assessment explores the interconnectedness of biodiversity, water, food, and health in the context of climate change, also called the nexus. It examines how these elements relate to the sustainable development goals, particularly in the realms of food and water security, universal health, biodiversity protection, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. This comprehensive assessment features contributions from 165 expert authors worldwide, including researchers involved in the BIONEXT project, coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke). BIONEXT is a mainly EU-funded research and innovation project that produces new evidence to better understand biodiversity loss and demonstrates how biodiversity underpins every aspect of life.

If you wish to interview these BIONEXT experts regarding the assessment and the European perspective on the nexus, please refer to the expert list attached to this release. Many of these experts will also be present at the upcoming plenary, offering opportunities for both in-person and remote interviews.

The European Perspective on the Biodiversity Nexus

In addition to its direct contributions to the IPBES Nexus Assessment, BIONEXT expands the conversation around the biodiversity nexus. The project incorporates new elements (energy and transport) to the nexus, utilizes additional perspectives – such as stakeholder dialogues – and employs various methods, including case studies, modelling, and interviews. This approach generates new data and scientific analyses that enrich the assessment.

Moreover, BIONEXT maintains a regional (European focus) compared to IPBES’ global focus. It extends its research timeline beyond the assessment’s publication which allows BIONEXT to build on the assessment’s key messages using new evidence gathered during the project’s ongoing research.

Following the release of the Nexus Assessment, BIONEXT will publish an article aimed at deepening the understanding of the biodiversity nexus at the European level. Stay updated on this article and other insights by subscribing to the BIONEXT newsletter.

The 11th Plenary of IPBES will take place from December 10 to December 16 in Windhoek, Namibia. The assessments are planned to be published on the 17th and 18th of December. Please note that changes to this schedule may occur, more information on IPBES’ website.

BIONEXT experts available for interviews

Kindly reach out to the interviewees via email to arrange an interview. Please note, that interviews are only possible after the assessments are published.

Paula Harrison
Professor, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology

Role: Co-chair of the Nexus Assessment
Availability: On-site at the IPBES Plenary
Contact: paulaharrison@ceh.ac.uk

Hans Keune
Professor, University of Antwerp

Role: Lead author in the nexus assessment (chapter 5.4 on health)
Availability: Interviews only via phone or email
Contact: hans.keune@uantwerpen.be

Soile Kulmala
Group manager, Finnish Environment Institute (Syke)

Role: Lead author in the nexus assessment
Availability: Interviews only via phone or email
Contact: firstname.lastname@syke.fi

Zuzana Harmáčková
Researcher, Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences - CzechGlobe & Stockholm Resilience Centre

Role: Coordinating lead author in the nexus assessment (chapter 3)
Availability: On-site at the IPBES Plenary
Contact: Harmackova.z@czechglobe.cz

Mark Rounsevell
Professor of Land Use Change & Climate, IMK-IFU Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; David Kinloch Michie Chair of Rural Economy & Environmental Sustainability, Institute of Geography & the Lived Environment School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh

Role: Coordinating lead author in the nexus assessment (chapter 3)
Availability: On-site at the IPBES Plenary
Contact: mark.rounsevell@kit.edu

Elizabeth Díaz General
Postdoctoral researcher, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology