Global Initiative for a Nature-Positive Future: BES-Net’s Bold Steps in Biodiversity

The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) is driving a transformative initiative to translate global biodiversity assessments into actionable measures across eight countries. This effort, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other key partners, focuses on policy alignment, stakeholder collaboration, and ecosystem restoration. Through the BES Solution Fund, these countries are seeing significant advancements in sustainable biodiversity management and community engagement.

In an ambitious stride towards a nature-positive future, the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to transform global biodiversity assessments into practical, on-the-ground actions. This initiative, backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and financially supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and SwedBio at Stockholm Resilience Centre, is making significant waves across eight pilot countries: Cameroon, Colombia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, and Viet Nam.

A Strategic Vision for Biodiversity Conservation

BES-Net’s mission is clear: to integrate the findings from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and National Ecosystem Assessments (NEAs) into tangible measures that promote sustainable ecosystem management. The initiative aligns with global commitments like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and its 2050 Vision and 2030 Mission, supporting strategically selected countries in implementing evidence-based biodiversity solutions.

The initiative is driven by a multifaceted approach that includes policy alignment, governance strengthening, multistakeholder collaboration, ecosystem restoration, sustainable resource management, and community livelihood enhancement. By leveraging the latest scientific insights, BES-Net aims to foster a culture of inclusive, data-driven decision-making at both national and local levels.

Leveraging Global and National Knowledge

Central to BES-Net’s strategy is the adaptation of global biodiversity knowledge to regional and national contexts. This is achieved through the innovative use of triangular dialogues (Trialogues) that bring together science, policy, and practice communities. These dialogues ensure that the insights from IPBES assessments and NEAs are contextualized and made relevant for each country’s unique biodiversity challenges.

In partnership with UNEP-WCMC, BES-Net assists countries in conducting their NEAs, providing a robust foundation for understanding local biodiversity dynamics. These assessments offer a deep dive into each country’s specific ecosystem context, highlighting challenges, strengths, and opportunities for sustainable management.

Catalytic Support through the BES Solution Fund

The BES Solution Fund is a catalytic seed fund designed to support countries in operationalizing IPBES assessments and NEA findings. This fund enhances national biodiversity platforms, fosters science-policy-practice cooperation, and supports on-the-ground interventions. Since its inception in 2020, the fund has targeted 18 countries, with the initial phase focusing on the eight aforementioned nations.

Country Snapshots: Success Stories and Innovations

• Cameroon:

  • Cameroon’s NEA report, validated in January 2022, represents a culmination of dedicated national efforts to gather the best available knowledge on biodiversity and ecosystems. The BES Solution Fund has helped integrate priority recommendations into national policies and strengthen stakeholder engagement through the National Platform for Science-Policy Interface on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (NP-SPBES).

• Colombia:

  • Colombia has successfully integrated NEA findings into its National Development Plan and engaged Indigenous communities in biodiversity conservation. The BES Solution Fund has supported platforms like Regional Trialogues to translate national findings into actionable regional strategies.

• Ethiopia:

  • Ethiopia, one of the top 20 biodiversity-rich countries, has used the BES Solution Fund to produce policy briefs and outreach materials, strengthen its National Biodiversity Platform, and integrate NEA recommendations into national strategies. The country’s holistic stakeholder engagement approach is exemplary.

• Kazakhstan:

  • Addressing the environmental crisis of the Aral Sea, Kazakhstan has implemented sustainable agriculture initiatives and stakeholder collaboration, with the BES Solution Fund playing a pivotal role. Demonstration plots for sustainable agriculture techniques are revitalizing local communities and ecosystems.

• Kenya:

  • Kenya’s focus on Indigenous knowledge and youth engagement in pollinator conservation and sustainable land management is a highlight. The Kenya National Trialogue has promoted the documentation of pollinator species and practices that promote soil conservation.

• Nigeria:

  • Nigeria has developed a national pollinator strategy and an integrated pest management strategy with strong government commitment. The BES Solution Fund has facilitated the development of a tailored theory of change model to guide these initiatives.

• Trinidad and Tobago:

  • Mobilizing citizen scientists and conducting native pollinator research, Trinidad and Tobago have engaged over 3,000 people in pollinator conservation activities. Youth engagement and community outreach have been central to these efforts.

• Viet Nam:

  • Viet Nam is developing national guidelines for payments for ecosystem services (PES), particularly for marine and wetland ecosystems. The BES Solution Fund supports pilot projects in key ecosystems, aiming to bridge policy gaps and operationalize PES.

Lessons Learned and Future Directions

BES-Net’s initiative underscores the importance of inclusive stakeholder participation, cross-sectoral collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, public engagement, and innovative conservation efforts. The experiences of the eight participating countries demonstrate the potential for scaling successful practices and fostering global cooperation.

Stakeholder Engagement: Inclusive stakeholder participation is critical for effective biodiversity conservation. Examples from Ethiopia and Kazakhstan highlight the significance of engaging diverse groups, including scientists, policymakers, practitioners, the private sector, and the media.

Collaborative Approaches: Cross-sectoral collaboration enhances the implementation of biodiversity strategies. Nigeria’s efforts in developing a national pollinator strategy and integrated pest management strategy exemplify this approach.

Evidence-Based Decision Making: Integrating scientific evidence into policy and planning ensures effective conservation actions. Colombia’s integration of NEA recommendations into national development plans demonstrates the importance of aligning biodiversity conservation with national policies.

Public Engagement: Mobilizing citizen scientists and raising public awareness contribute to conservation goals. Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts to engage the public in pollinator conservation illustrate the power of community involvement.

Innovative Conservation Efforts: Financial incentives like PES schemes support sustainable resource management. Viet Nam’s development of national guidelines for PES schemes highlights the potential of financial incentives to promote a nature-positive economy.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

The BES-Net initiative showcases the transformative potential of translating global biodiversity assessments into tangible actions at national and local levels. The innovative practices and collaborative efforts of the eight participating countries serve as a model for others. As we navigate this crucial decade for nature, the journey toward a nature-positive future requires ongoing adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to inclusive, science-based decision-making. The experiences of these trailblazing countries highlight the undeniable impact of collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for sustainable biodiversity and ecosystem management.