Biodiversity and
Ecosystem Services
(BES) – Net
Dialogue Workshop on
Knowledge for the 21st Century:
connecting diverse knowledge
systems
11-13 April 2012
Usdub, Guna Yala, Panama
Connecting policy makers, scientists and implementers
Policy makers
Scientists
Implementers
Policy
Science
Implementation
Importance of diverse including traditional knowledge
To influence policy-making
To feed into scientific research
Policy
Science
Implementation
Need for accessible info on relevant policy and science
Relevant for implementation
In appropriate languages
In usuable media / formats
IPBES discussions on capacity building
• Calls from developing countries for emphasis in IPBES on
capacity building
• Big emphasis on science-policy interface
• Need also to involve local communities and indigenous peoples
Capacity needs identified by IPBES
1. Knowledge generation: using science in decision-making
2. Assessments: carrying out sub-global assessments
3. Policy support tools & methodologies: capacity to ensure
efficient and effective use
4. Access to data, information and
knowledge for doing assessments
and using policy tools
5. Engagement of policymakers,
scientists, experts and
communities
Initial partners
• United Nations Development Programme - UNDP
• UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre - (UNEP-WCMC
• Norwegian Government
 interim secretariat established by the Directorate for
Nature Management, Ministry of Environment
• Other potential partners: governments, NGOs, agencies
• Centres of excellence in developing cuntires
BES-Net objectives
1. To enable sharing of learning and best practice between
and within the science, policy and implementation
communities
2. To build developing country capacity to identify and
prioritize key scientific information and diverse knowledge
needed
3. To promote and support national and regional
assessments, and to build developing country capacity to
contribute to global and thematic assessments
4. To build capacity to develop and use policy support tools
and methodologies, and improve access to data,
information, scientific literature and diverse knowledge
BES-Net: two parts
A. Web Portal
B. Face-to-face Networking Activities
 Global workshops on stakeholder capacity building needs
 Peer-to-peer exchange visits
 Regional science-policy-practice dialogue events
 National and sub-national training workshops