The 12th Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-12) will take place in Manchester from February 3 to 8, 2024. This significant event is expected to attract nearly 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries, all focused on enhancing the relationship between science and policy regarding biodiversity and ecosystem services.
To mark the event, The University of Manchester, University of Salford, and Manchester Metropolitan University will collaborate on a special evening event at the People’s History Museum on February 5. Supported by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), this gathering aims to unite academics, businesses, community organizations, policymakers, and regional leaders to discuss collaborative efforts for nature recovery across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Collaboration for Nature Recovery
The evening will center on the theme of Business and Biodiversity, emphasizing the vital role that industry, research, and policy must play in achieving sustainability goals. This initiative aligns with the renewed civic mission established last year, reinforcing the commitment of Greater Manchester’s universities to enhance the quality of life within the city-region through the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement (CUA).
Participants can look forward to engaging discussions, including talks from representatives of all three universities and a panel Q&A session. Notable figures expected to attend include senior representatives from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), and DEFRA, with additional guests to be announced.
Professor Simon Green, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Salford, emphasized the importance of sustainability, stating, “Our goal is to innovate towards a more equitable, just, healthy, creative and prosperous society. This event will be a great chance to put those ambitions into practice and share knowledge and expertise across the region and country.”
Professor Nick Brook, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at Manchester Metropolitan University, highlighted the institution’s commitment to sustainability. He noted, “With sector-leading Carbon Literacy training and consistently top rankings in People & Planet, Manchester Met is shaping global sustainability practices while driving research-led solutions that support nature recovery and stronger communities across Greater Manchester.”
Event Details and Participation
The evening event, titled “From evidence to action: Mobilising Greater Manchester’s science, business and policy partnerships for nature,” will serve as a platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in addressing biodiversity challenges. Tickets for this important gathering are available through Eventbrite.
This convergence of diverse stakeholders presents a unique opportunity to create impactful partnerships that can drive nature recovery efforts in Greater Manchester, setting a precedent for collaboration on a global scale. As the focus on biodiversity intensifies, the outcomes of IPBES-12 may significantly influence future policies and practices in environmental sustainability.
