IP - Indicators for Policy

Indicators for Policy (IP)

Supporting taxonomic research in the context of the Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI)

As stated in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), there is an increasing need for monitoring schemes that help understanding the evolution of the global biodiversity crisis and propose solutions for the future. In order to monitor and report on the state of biodiversity and propose appropriate solutions, a strong link must be established between

  • the scientific data collected, and
  • the formulation of biodiversity policies

The Monitoring Framework of the Global Biodiversity Framework of the CBD foresees a number of biodiversity indicators, to be reported at the national level by countries, in their National Reports to the CBD.

Biodiversity indicators, described by the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership are key tools to

  • measure the change in biodiversity over time
  • evaluate progress towards its conservation and sustainable use
  • set conservation priorities
  • design and monitor national and regional policies on biodiversity
  • feed into national reporting on international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Development Goals

The CEBioS IP sub-programme (previously called MRV) strengthens the science-policy interface, and more specifically the use of biodiversity data (indicators) to inform, influence and shape policy. 

The collected data feeds into the indicators provided for in each country’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAP) and national reports under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). 

Calls for projects are launched to implement the IP sub-programme.

In the framework of “Indicators for Policy” (IP) initiatives, Policy Briefs are often co-produced by local/national stakeholders and CEBioS.In these documents, key messages and policy recommendations are being identified,developed and finally communicated to policymakers in a clear way. 

All Policy Briefs are available on our ‘Publications‘ page. 

For example, earlier projects have concentrated on:  

  • Assessing forest cover trends over 25 years in Benin and linking them to forestry policies and reforestation strategies
  • Enhancing access to aquatic biodiversity data in Uganda’s Lake Edward system, addressing the inaccessibility of existing biodiversity information
  • Analysing trends in fish catch and the use of fishing practices in Lake Kivu and Lake Tanganyika, to inform fishing regulations, and raise awareness of fishermen associations and lake police on sustainable fishing techniques
  • Reassessing protected areas in Palestine and providing recommendations to enhance their management, based on desktop studies, stakeholder engagement and data mobilization