Annex I
Decision IPBES/1/1 Rules of procedure for the Plenary of the Platform
The Plenary,Adopts the Rules of procedure for the Plenary of the Platform as contained in the annex to this decision.Part I – Scope
Rule – 1
These Rules of procedure apply to any session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services convened in accordance with a decision of the Plenary and in compliance with these Rules.Part II – Definitions
Rule – 2
For the purposes of these Rules:(a)“Platform” means the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services;(b)“Members of the Platform” means States Members of the United Nations expressing their intent to be members of the Platform;(c)“Plenary” means the Platform’s decision-making body, comprising all members of the Platform;(d)“Session” means any ordinary or extraordinary session of the Plenary;(e)“Members present and voting” means members of the Platform present at a session and casting an affirmative or negative vote. Members who abstain from voting are considered as not voting;(f)“Secretariat” means the secretariat of the Platform;(g)“Observer” means any State not a member of the Platform and any body, organization or agency, whether national or international, governmental, intergovernmental or non-governmental, including organizations of and representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities,[2] which is qualified in matters covered by the Platform, and which has informed the secretariat of the Platform of its wish to be represented at sessions of the Plenary, subject to provisions set out in these Rules of procedure;(h)“Meeting” means a single sitting at a session of the Plenary of the Platform;(i)“Bureau” refers to the body of elected members of the Bureau of the session of the Plenary as set forth in these Rules of procedure;(j)“Bureau member” or “member of the Bureau” refers to any person who holds one of the posts in the Bureau;(k)“Multidisciplinarity” connotes an approach that crosses many disciplinary boundaries, knowledge systems and approaches to create a holistic approach, focusing on complex problems that require expertise across two or more disciplines. Multidisciplinarity arises when scientists (including natural and social scientists), policy and technical experts, natural resource managers, other relevant knowledge holders and users, interact in an open discussion and dialogue giving consideration to each perspective.Part III – Venue, dates and notice of sessions
Rule – 3
The venue and dates of each session are to be decided by the Plenary at the preceding session. If this is not possible, it should be decided by the Bureau.Rule – 4
The secretariat will invite and notify the members and observers of the Platform of the venue and dates of any session at least eight weeks before it is due to commence.Part IV – Members and observers
Rule – 5
(1)Membership of the Platform is open to States Members of the United Nations, who may become members by expressing their intent to be members of the Platform.(2)[Issues of membership/participation of regional economic integration organizations remain under discussion with a view to resolution as soon as possible.][3][2bis alt The European Union, as a regional economic integration organization constituted by sovereign states of a given region to which its member states have transferred competence in respect of matters within the scope of the Platform’s work, may also be a Member in the Platform within the scope of such competences and without any participation rights additional to those of European Union member states. The European Union will present a declaration of competence setting forth the extent of its competences with respect to the matters falling within the scope of the IPBES work. Notwithstanding any provision other than this paragraph in any IPBES governing instruments or decisions, the European Union may exercise only the following participation rights on behalf of its member states on matters within its competence, and only when European Union member states do not exercise such rights:(a)the right to speak in turn, rather than after all participant states have been acknowledged;(b)the right to reply;(c)the right to introduce proposals. [; and](d)[the right to participate in decisions of the Plenary, including casting votes and joining or blocking consensus. Any exercise of the right to vote on behalf of its member states by the European Union shall comprise the number of votes of its member states that are Members and are present and eligible to vote.]These rights are exhaustive and exclusive, and may not be exercised on a given issue by the European Union if exercised by any European Union member state, nor vice versa. For example, the European Union is not counted in the determination of a quorum, and is not eligible to seek any leadership positions in the Plenary, such as Chair or Vice-Chair, or positions on any other governing or policy body of the Platform, such as the Bureau. If the European Union speaks on behalf of its member states, it will be accorded the same amount of time as any other Member.]Admission of ObserversRule – 6
(1)The Plenary will adopt at its first session the Platform’s policy and procedures on admission of observers.(2)The provisions on observers set forth in the Rules of procedure of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme will apply to the first session of the Plenary, unless the Plenary decides otherwise by consensus.Participation by ObserversRule – 7
Any Observer may, upon the invitation of the Chair, participate in the Plenary without the ability to cast votes or join or block consensus.Part V – Agenda
Rule – 8
(1)The secretariat will, in consultation with and under the guidance of the Bureau, prepare a provisional agenda for each session in accordance with the guidance of the Plenary. Any member of the Platform may request the secretariat of the Plenary to include specific items in the provisional agenda.(2)The secretariat will, after consultation with the Bureau, distribute the provisional agenda for each session, along with other official documents to be considered at the session, to the members and those entitled to be represented as observers in the official languages of the Platform at least six weeks before the session is due to commence.(3)Between the date of distribution of the provisional agenda and the adoption of the agenda by the Plenary, members of the Platform may propose supplementary items for inclusion in the agenda, provided they are of an important and urgent nature. The secretariat will, after consultation with the Bureau, include such items on an updated provisional agenda.Rule – 9
At the beginning of each session the members of the Platform that are present will adopt the agenda for the session on the basis of the provisional agenda and any supplementary items proposed in accordance with paragraph 3 of SUBPART Rule 8.Rule – 10
If the Plenary so decides it may revise its agenda by adding, deleting or amending items.Part VI – Representation, credentials and accreditation
Rule – 11
Each member of the Platform participating in a session will be represented by a delegation consisting of a head of delegation and such other accredited representatives, alternate representatives and advisers as it may require. An alternate representative or adviser may act as a representative upon designation by the head of delegation.Rule – 12
(1)The credentials of representatives of members of the Platform and the names of alternate representatives and advisers need to be submitted to the secretariat, if possible not later than 24 hours after the opening of the session. Information regarding any later change in the composition of a delegation, along with any necessary credentials, also needs to be submitted to the secretariat.(2)The credentials of the representatives of any member of the Platform need to be issued by or on behalf of the member’s Head of State or Government or minister for foreign affairs consistent with each country’s policies and law. [The credentials of the representatives of a regional economic integration organization need to be issued by the competent authority of that organization.]Rule – 13
The Bureau examines the credentials and submits a report thereon to the Plenary.Rule – 14
Representatives of members of the Plenary are entitled to participate provisionally in a session pending a decision by the Plenary to accept their credentials. These representatives do not have the right to make decisions until their credentials are accepted.Part VII – Members and operation of the Bureau
Rule – 15
(1)Candidates for the Bureau will be proposed by Government[s] [members] [members of the Platform] for nomination by regions and election by the Plenary.(2)The Bureau of the Plenary, consisting of the Chair, four Vice-Chairs, and five other officers, is elected from among the members of the Platform. Each region is represented by two officers in the Bureau, taking into account the principle of geographical representation. The Chair and four Vice-Chairs, one of whom acts as Rapporteur, will be selected with due consideration to scientific and technical expertise and will be selected from each of the five United Nations regions. The five additional members of the Bureau will carry out relevant administrative functions. The officers of the Bureau remain in office until their replacement is elected.(3)The term of office of a Bureau member is 3 years with the opportunity for re‑election for one consecutive term. Such term of office starts at the end of the session at which he/she is elected and ends at the close of the session at which his or her successor is elected. The Chair will be rotated among the five United Nations regions every 3 years without the possibility of re-election as Chair.(4)Each region may designate alternates, to be approved by the Plenary, to represent the region at a Bureau meeting if the Bureau member(s) is/are unable to attend.Rule – 16
The Bureau meets as necessary, either in person or by means of telecommunication, to advise the Chair and the secretariat on the conduct of business of the Plenary and its subsidiary bodies.Rule – 17
(1)In addition to exercising the powers conferred upon him or her elsewhere in these Rules, the Chair:(a)Represents the Platform;(b)Declares the opening and closure of each session;(c)Presides at sessions of the Plenary and meetings of the Bureau;(d)Ensures the observance of the present Rules in accordance with the definitions, functions and operating principles of the Platform;(e)Accords participants the right to speak;(f)Applies the decision-making procedure in SUBPART Rule 36;(g)\Rules on any points of order;(h)Subject to these Rules, exercises complete control over the proceedings and maintains order.(2)The Chair may also propose:(a)The closure of the list of speakers;(b)A limitation on the time to be allowed to speakers and on the number of times a member or observer may speak on an issue;(c)The adjournment or closure of debate on an issue;(d)The suspension or adjournment of a meeting.(3)The Chair and the Bureau, in the exercise of their functions, remain at all times under the authority of the Plenary.Rule – 18
The Chair participates in sessions in that capacity and may not at the same time exercise the rights of a representative of a member of the Platform.Rule – 19
(1)The Chair, if absent from a session or any part thereof, should designate one of the Vice-Chairs to act as Chair.(2)A Vice-Chair acting as Chair has the same powers and duties as the Chair and may not at the same time exercise the rights of a representative of a member of the Platform.Rule – 20
(1)If the Chair resigns or is otherwise unable to complete his or her assigned term of office or to perform the functions of that office, a new Chair is to be elected at the next session to serve the remainder of the term of office of the departing Chair. Until a new Chair is elected, one of the Vice-Chairs, as agreed by the Bureau, serves as the Acting Chair.(2)If a member of the Bureau, other than the Chair, resigns or is otherwise unable to complete the assigned term of office or to perform the functions of that office, that member is replaced by the alternate from the same region.Election of members of the Bureau
Rule – 21
(1)The members of the Bureau will be elected by the Plenary by consensus unless the Plenary decides otherwise.(2)If the Plenary decides to elect members of the Bureau by vote:(a)This is held at ordinary sessions of the Plenary;(b)Each member of the Plenary has one vote in the elections;(c)All elections are decided by a majority of the members present and voting. All elections are held by secret ballot, unless otherwise decided by the Plenary;(d)After completion of the elections, the number of votes for each candidate and the number of abstentions is recorded.Nominations
Rule – 22
(1)All nominees for election as the Chair and Vice-Chairs need to have relevant expertise from the agreed guidelines. Curricula vitae of all nominees are to be submitted to the secretariat and made available to members of the Platform before the elections.(2)The secretariat of the Platform will invite members of the Platform to submit to the secretariat no less than four months before the scheduled election written nominations, in accordance with SUBPART Rule 15 and accompanying curricula vitae of nominees to the Bureau. The Plenary can accept late nominations at its discretion. The secretariat will post the names of persons nominated and their curricula vitae, as well as the identity of the region making the nomination, on the website of the Platform in a time frame that will facilitate consideration of such persons by members of the Platform.Part VIII – Subsidiary bodies
Rule – 23
(1)The Plenary may:(a)Establish subsidiary bodies to carry out such objectives as may be agreed upon at a session of the Plenary;(b)Determine the matters to be considered by any subsidiary body;(c)Establish the terms of reference of any subsidiary body.(2)The Plenary will keep under review the composition, effectiveness and need for its subsidiary bodies, including the Bureau and the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel, as part of the periodic review of the operation of the Platform.Rule – 24
The Multidisciplinary Expert Panel reports to the Plenary and will carry out the scientific and technical functions agreed by the Plenary, as articulated in the document (UNEP/IPBES.MI/2/9, Annex I, Appendix I) on functions, operating principles and institutional arrangements of the Platform, and will organize itself as it considers appropriate to implement the Work Programme.Rule – 25
(1)The interim membership of the Panel will be based on equal representation of five participants nominated by each of the five United Nations regions. Such a membership will be in place for not more than a two-year period in order to allow the final regional structure and expert composition to be agreed at a session of the Plenary. The members of the Bureau will also be observers of the Panel during this period.(2)[The members of the Bureau will be observers of the Panel.] The chairs of the scientific subsidiary bodies of the multilateral environmental agreements related to biodiversity and ecosystem services and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will be observers.(3)The members of the Panel are elected for their personal expertise and are not intended to represent any particular region.[Guidelines for the nomination and selection of the members of the Multidisciplinary Expert PanelRule – 26
[Candidates for the Panel are to be proposed by members [and observers] of the Platform for nomination by regions and election by the Plenary. In the event that a region cannot agree on its nomination the Plenary will decide. Taking into account disciplinary and gender balance,] each region will nominate five candidates for membership to the Panel. The following criteria [including experiences from previous Panels] could be taken into account in nominating and selecting the members of the Panel:(a)Scientific expertise in biodiversity and ecosystem services with regard to both natural and social sciences and traditional knowledge among the members of the Panel;(b)Scientific, technical or policy expertise and knowledge of the main elements of the Platform’s programme of work;(c)Experience in communicating, promoting and incorporating science into policy development processes;(d)Ability to work in international scientific and policy processes.]Rule – 27
[(1)The secretariat of the Platform will invite members [and observers] of the Platform to submit to the secretariat written nominations and accompanying curricula vitae of nominees for the Panel no less than four months before the scheduled election. Curricula vitae of all nominees are to be submitted to the secretariat and made available to members of the Platform together with the names of persons nominated, as well as the identity of the region or observer making the nomination, on the website of the Platform.(2)The Plenary can accept late nominations at its discretion.]Election of members of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel
Rule – 28
[(1)The members of the Panel will be elected by the Plenary by consensus unless the Plenary decides otherwise.(2)If the Plenary decides to elect members of the Panel by vote:(a)This will be held at ordinary sessions of the Plenary;(b)Each member of the Plenary has one vote in the elections;(c)All elections will be decided by a majority of the members present and voting. All elections will be held by secret ballot, unless otherwise decided by the Plenary;(d)After completion of the elections, the number of votes for each candidate and the number of abstentions will be recorded.]]Rule – 29
(1)The term of office of all the Panel members is 3 years with a possibility of re‑election for one consecutive term. The term of the office of each Panel member should start at the end of the session at which he or she is elected and end at the close of the session at which his or her successor is elected.(2)The Chair or Co-Chairs of the Panel will be elected by the members of the Panel and the Panel should rotate the position of the Chair(s) among the range of its members at regular intervals.Rule – 30
(1)A Chair, if absent from a session or any part thereof, should designate another member of the Panel to act as Chair.(2)A member of the Panel acting as Chair has the same powers and duties as the Chair.Rule – 31
(1)If a Chair resigns or is otherwise unable to complete his or her assigned term of office or to perform the functions of that office, a new Chair is to be elected by the members of the Panel at the session where it is known that the Chair will be unable to complete his or her assigned term of office to serve the remainder of the term of office of the departing Chair.(2)If a member of the Panel resigns or is otherwise unable to complete the assigned term of office or to perform the functions of that office, that member will be replaced by an alternate nominated by the same region and selected by the Plenary.Meetings of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel
Rule – 32
The Panel will meet as necessary, either in person or by electronic means, and conduct its business in a transparent way. Efforts shall be made to hold meetings of the Bureau and meetings of the Panel concurrently or in association, where appropriate, to allow for a maximum complementarity and coordination of work, and cost savings.Rule – 33
In addition to the procedures of the Panel, the Chair(s) of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel:(a)Declares the opening and closure of each meeting of the Panel;(b)Presides at meetings of the Panel;(c)Ensures the observance of the applicable Platform Rules in accordance with the functions, operating principles and institutional arrangements of the Platform;(d)Accords participants in the meetings of the Panel the right to speak.Part IX – Conduct of business
Quorum
Rule – 34
The Chair may not declare a meeting of any session open and permit discussion to proceed unless at least one third of those members of the Platform participating in the session are present.Quorum for decision-making
Rule – 35
The presence of a majority of the members of the Platform participating in the session is needed for any decision to be taken.Part X – Decision-making
Rule – 36
(1)The members of the Platform take decisions on matters of substance by consensus, unless otherwise provided in its Rules.(2)On matters of procedure, the members of the Platform are to make every effort to achieve consensus. If all efforts by the members of the Platform to achieve consensus on a matter of procedure have been exhausted, and no consensus has been reached, the decision will, as a last resort, unless otherwise provided by these Rules of procedure, be taken by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Platform present and voting.(3)If the question arises whether a matter is one of procedural or substantive nature, the Chair shall SUBPART Rule on the question. An appeal against this ruling shall be put to the vote immediately and the Chair’s ruling shall stand unless overSUBPART Ruled by a majority of the members present and voting.(4)When considering reports, differing views are to be explained and, upon request, recorded. Differing views on matters of a scientific, technical, or socioeconomic nature are, as appropriate in the context, to be represented in the scientific, technical, or socioeconomic document concerned. Differences of views on matters of policy or procedure are, as appropriate in the context, to be recorded in the Report of the Session.Part XI – Languages
Rule – 37
(1)The official languages of the Platform are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.(2)Interpretation into all the official languages of the Platform will be provided for all the sessions of the Plenary. A member may speak in a language other than an official language if the participant provides for interpretation into one of the official languages.Rule – 38
Official documents of the Plenary are to be drawn up in one of the official languages and translated into the other official languages.Part XII – Modifications to the Rules of procedure
Rule – 39
(1)Modifications to these Rules of procedure are adopted by consensus.(2)Unless the Plenary decides otherwise, any modifications proposed to these Rules of procedure, submitted by members of the Platform or by the Bureau, should be communicated to all members of the Platform at least eight weeks before they are submitted to the session where the proposals are expected to be discussed.
Annex II
[Draft policy and procedures for the admission of observers
Part I – Policy for admission of observers to the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
The following policy for admitting observers to sessions of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) will apply:(1)“Observer” means any State not a member of the Platform and any body, organization or agency, whether national or international, governmental, intergovernmental or non-governmental, including organizations of and representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities, which is qualified in matters covered by the Platform, and which has informed the secretariat of the Platform of its wish to be represented at sessions of the Plenary, subject to the provisions set out in the Rules of procedure.[4](2)Any Member State of the United Nations or Observer State to the United Nations not a member of the Platform will be considered as admitted by the Plenary as an Observer and need not submit an application or other documentation.(3)United Nations bodies and secretariats of multilateral environment agreements are considered Observers of the Platform and need not submit an application or other documentation.(4)The decision as to whether an applicant for Observer status is qualified in matters covered by the Platform should be guided by the documents submitted by the respective organization, as listed in paragraph 10 of the present document, as well as by the functions and operating principles of IPBES.(5)Bodies, organizations and agencies that already have observer status with or are accredited to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are considered Observers of the Platform if they so request, except as the Plenary otherwise decides.(6)Observers to IPBES-1 will be considered admitted by the Plenary as Observers in subsequent meetings of the Plenary and need not submit an application or other documentation except if the Plenary decides otherwise.(7)Only Observers who have been admitted by the Plenary and have registered for specific sessions may designate representatives to attend sessions of the Plenary. Observers must register their representatives in advance of each session.(8)The secretariat will notify Observers of sessions of the Plenary.(9)United Nations organizations and other international and intergovernmental organizations, as well as other Observers, will be provided with designation plates, where such facilities exist at the meeting venue.Part II – Procedures for admission of observers
The following admission process applies:(10)Applicants for Observer status to sessions of the Plenary will, as appropriate, be asked to provide the secretariat with copies of, among other things:(a)Documents describing the mandate, scope and governing structure of the organization, such as the charter/statutes/constitution/by-laws or articles of association;(b)Any other information that supports the competence and interest of the organization in matters related to IPBES;(c)Completed form with contact information and website address (if any) of the organization and of a designated focal point (to be updated when necessary).(11)New requests for admission as an Observer to sessions of the Plenary should be submitted to the secretariat, at least three months before a session of the Plenary. The secretariat of IPBES will maintain the information submitted by such Observers.(12)The secretariat will analyse the requests according to the documents submitted, as detailed in paragraph 10, and to the functions and operating principles of the Platform, and make such analysis available to be considered by the Bureau.(13)The list of applicant Observers as reviewed by the Bureau, including any applications not approved, will be presented at the next session of the Plenary, in accordance with the Rules of procedure.(14)[The Plenary of the Platform will decide [on the admittance of Observers recommended on the list] on the admission and participation of all Observers in accordance with its Rules of procedure, and Observers accepted by the Bureau as detailed in paragraph 13 may be admitted to a meeting of the Plenary and participate in it [as long as no Member of the Platform objects][, unless at least one third of the Members present at the meeting object.](15)Admission of new applicants as Observers should be included as a regular agenda item of the Bureau and Plenary, consistent with any applicable Rules of procedure.(16)[If Observer status has to be withdrawn for any reason, the chair may suspend the Observer status of that observer subject to ratification by the [Bureau][Plenary].](17)Any Observer may retain its status only as long as it satisfies the conditions set out for Observers in the present document and any other relevant SUBPART Rule of procedure for IPBES.]
Annex III
Decision IPBES/1/2 Next steps for the development of the initial IPBES work programme
The Plenary,Noting that work under this decision will be performed as indicated by the IPBES Bureau and the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP), among other entities, including the secretariat where specified. The Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and the Bureau will each work within their respective roles and responsibilities as defined in subsections III (B) and III (C) of the institutional arrangements of the Platform. This decision directs both of those subsidiary bodies to work on specific tasks, for which it is expected that they will consult with each other through their chairpersons as needed in an ad hoc manner.A. Work programme 2014-2018
(1)Requests the secretariat to compile and structure all the available information and to prepare a document on draft work programme elements for the period 2014-2018 to support the preparation of the work programme, taking into account deliberations of the Plenary and requests received.(2)Requests the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and the Bureau, to:(a)develop a draft work programme for 2014-2018 with a sequenced and prioritized set of objectives, deliverables, actions and milestones for advancing the four functions of IPBES (assessment, knowledge generation, policy support and capacity-building) at relevant scales, taking into account the information compiled by the secretariat, and noting relevant requests, inputs and suggestions submitted, including by giving consideration to those made by multilateral environmental agreements related to biodiversity and ecosystem services;(b)work with the secretariat to contact those who have submitted requests prior to the IPBES Plenary to provide additional information according to the guidelines in paragraph 7 of Decision IPBES/1/3 on the procedure for receiving and prioritizing requests put to the Platform;(c)complete the draft work programme taking account of the comments received during the review phase (described below) and the requests made of the Platform, and suggest options for institutional arrangements for the implementation of the work programme including any subsidiary bodies and their terms of reference.(3)Requests the secretariat to submit the draft work programme with indicative cost estimates prepared in consultation with the Bureau to members, observers and stakeholders for their comments through an open process, and to compile the comments received for consideration by the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and the Bureau prior to the second Plenary.(4)Requests the secretariat in consultation with the Bureau, to provide cost estimates for implementation of the revised work programme 2014-2018, also taking into account the proposed institutional arrangements, and suggesting the related actions that need to be taken by the Plenary at its second session.B. Receiving and prioritizing requests put to the Platform
(5)Invites members to submit requests, including those conveyed by multilateral environmental agreements related to biodiversity and ecosystem services as determined by their respective governing bodies, following the agreed procedure and guidance set out in Decision IPBES/1/3 on the procedure for receiving and prioritizing requests put to the Platform.(6)Invites United Nations bodies related to biodiversity and ecosystem services and relevant stakeholders, such as intergovernmental organizations, international and regional scientific organizations, and environment trust funds, to submit inputs and suggestions following the agreed procedure and guidance set out in Decision IPBES/1/3 on the procedure for receiving and prioritizing requests put to the Platform.(7)Requests the secretariat to compile the requests, inputs and suggestions submitted for analysis by the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and the Bureau.(8)Requests the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and the Bureau to prepare a report containing a prioritized list of requests, as well as a prioritized list of inputs and suggestions, for consideration of the Plenary at its second session following the agreed procedure and guidance set out in Decision IPBES/1/3 on the procedure for receiving and prioritizing requests put to the Platform.C. Knowledge systems
(9)Requests the secretariat to compile all comments received on the information document on recognizing indigenous and local knowledge and building synergies with science (IPBES/1/INF/5), and to support the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel in convening a multidisciplinary and regionally balanced expert and stakeholder workshop, among other actions, to provide input on this matter in developing the conceptual framework and other aspects of the work of the Platform.(10)Invites members, observers and other stakeholders to submit nominations to the secretariat for participation in the multidisciplinary and regionally balanced expert workshop for consideration by the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel.(11)Requests the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel to recommend possible procedures and approaches for working with different knowledge systems for consideration by the Plenary at its second session, drawing on the inputs received.D. Conceptual framework
(12)Requests the secretariat to compile all comments received on the conceptual framework (IPBES/1/INF/9), and to support the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel in convening a multidisciplinary and regionally balanced expert and stakeholder workshop, among other actions, to provide inputs to the development of a draft conceptual framework for the Platform.(13)Invites members, observers and other stakeholders to submit nominations to the secretariat for participation in the multidisciplinary and regionally balanced expert workshop for consideration by the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel.(14)Requests the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel to recommend a conceptual framework for adoption by the Plenary at its second session that effectively addresses the objective, functions and relevant operating principles of the Platform and the relationship among them, drawing on a range of sources and activities including the inputs received from the workshops and the work on knowledge systems described in the section above.E. Scoping process
(15)Requests the secretariat to compile all comments received on the scoping process and prepare a document for consideration by the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel.(16)Requests the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel to review the document, and to recommend a scoping process for consideration by the Plenary at its second session.F. Procedures relating to reports and deliverables
(17)Requests the secretariat to compile all comments received and prepare the document on procedures for the preparation of assessments and the review, acceptance, adoption, approval and publication of reports and other deliverables (IPBES/1/INF/3).(18)Requests the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel to review the draft, and to recommend a set of procedures for consideration by the Plenary at its second session.G. Potential future regional structure and composition of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel
(19)Requests the secretariat to compile all views and comments received on the information document on the regional structure and composition of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (IPBES/1/INF/7) and present a revised document to the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel.(20)Requests the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel to work with the Bureau to review the document, and to make a recommendation for consideration by the Plenary at its second session on the regional structure and composition of the future Multidisciplinary Expert Panel.(21)Requests the Bureau to thank all the candidates for the interim Multidisciplinary Expert Panel for their candidature, and further requests the Bureau and secretariat to invite the candidates to be on an expert roster to ensure their expertise is available for the future work of the Platform.(22)Requests the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel to provide the information on the expertise required by the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel as and when it is determined for the future implementation of the work programme.(23)Requests the Bureau to review the administrative procedure used in the selection of the interim Multidisciplinary Expert Panel with a particular focus on ensuring effective consultation to ensure overall balance with respect to the work programme, and to draft recommendations on the procedure for the selection process for the future membership of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel.(24)Requests the secretariat to invite members, observers and stakeholders to provide comments on the draft recommendations, and further requests the Bureau working with the secretariat to prepare a draft administrative procedure which incorporates all comments received for consideration by the Plenary at its second session.H. Stakeholder engagement strategy
(25)Invites the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the International Council for Science (ICSU) to work with relevant stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities and the private sector, and with the secretariat, to prepare in consultation with the Bureau and the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel a draft stakeholder engagement strategy for supporting the implementation of the work programme.(26)Requests the secretariat to open a widely publicized process of consultation, involving members, observers and stakeholders, on the draft stakeholder engagement strategy, and to present a revised version for consideration at the second session of the Plenary.I. Possible strategic partnerships
(27)Requests the Bureau to prepare, in consultation with the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and supported by the secretariat, guidance on the development of strategic partnerships with different categories of partners such as multilateral environmental agreements and academic, scientific, and United Nations system organizations, focused on supporting implementation of the work programme.(28)Requests the secretariat to open a widely publicized process of consultation involving members, observers and stakeholders on the guidance on strategic partnerships, and to present it for the consideration of the Plenary at its second session.
Annex IV
Decision IPBES/1/3 Procedure for receiving and prioritizing requests put to the Platform
The Plenary,Adopts the procedure for receiving and prioritizing requests put to the Platform as contained in the Annex to this decision.Procedure for receiving and prioritizing requests put to the Platform(1)This procedure is intended to guide the process for receiving and prioritizing requests put to the Platform, and is to be applied in accordance with other Rules and procedures of the Platform. This procedure is not intended to prescribe future decisions by the Platform regarding its work programme.A. Receiving requests put to the Platform(2)Governments and multilateral environmental agreements related to biodiversity and ecosystem services can send requests to the Platform on scientific and technical matters that require the Platform’s attention and action.(3)Inputs and suggestions from United Nations bodies related to biodiversity and ecosystem services, as determined by their respective governing bodies, are also welcomed by the Platform. Inputs and suggestions made by relevant stakeholders, such as other intergovernmental organizations, international and regional scientific organizations, environment trust funds, non-governmental organizations, indigenous peoples and local communities and the private sector, will also be encouraged and taken into account, as appropriate.(4)In order to streamline requests sent to the Platform, the submission of requests by Governments conveyed by multilateral environmental agreements related to biodiversity and ecosystem services through their governing bodies or scientific subsidiary bodies is encouraged, allowing some flexibility to MEAs regarding the deadline for submissions due to their internal meeting schedules. The joint submission of requests by multiple multilateral environmental agreements through their coordination processes, for example the Biodiversity Liaison Group or the Chairs of the Scientific Advisory Bodies of the Biodiversity-related Conventions are also encouraged.(5)Joint submissions of requests by multiple Governments, including through regional groups, are also encouraged.(6)Joint submissions of inputs and suggestions by United Nations bodies related to biodiversity and ecosystem services, other intergovernmental organizations, international and regional scientific organizations, environment trust funds, non‑governmental organizations, indigenous peoples and local communities and the private sector are also encouraged.(7)Requests that are submitted to the Platform will be accompanied by information on:(a)Relevance to the objective, functions and work programme of the Platform;(b)Urgency of action by the Platform in the light of the imminence of the risks caused by the issues to be addressed by such action;(c)Relevance of the requested action in addressing specific policies or processes;(d)Geographic scope of the requested action, as well as issues to be covered by such action;(e)Anticipated level of complexity of the issues to be addressed by the requested action;(f)Previous work and existing initiatives of a similar nature and evidence of remaining gaps, such as the absence or limited availability of information and tools to address the issues, and reasons why the Platform is best suited to take action;(g)Availability of scientific literature and expertise for the Platform to undertake the requested action;(h)Scale of the potential impacts, and potential beneficiaries of the requested action;(i)Requirements for financial and human resources, and potential duration of the requested action.(j)An identification of priorities within multiple requests submitted.(8)Inputs and suggestions that are submitted to the Platform will also where relevant be accompanied by the information requirement set out in paragraph 7.B. Prioritizing requests put to the Platform(9)All requests, inputs and suggestions should be received by the secretariat no later than six months prior to an IPBES Plenary. The secretariat should compile requests, inputs and suggestions and make these available on the IPBES website. The Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and the Bureau will consider and prioritize the submitted requests, inputs and suggestions in accordance with the considerations outlined in paragraph 7 above.(10)The Bureau will consider requests received after the deadline on an extraordinary basis.(11)Should the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and the Bureau consider that additional scoping is required to complete the prioritization of certain requests, they will propose to the Plenary the initiation of such scoping processes.(12)The Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and the Bureau will prepare a report containing a prioritized list of requests, with an analysis on the scientific and policy relevance of the requests as referred to in paragraph 7, including the possible need for additional scoping and the implications of the requests for the Platform’s work programme and resource requirements, 12 weeks prior to the Plenary meeting at which those requests will be considered. In accordance with the Rules of procedure of the Plenary of the Platform, the secretariat will process the report and make it available to the Plenary for consideration and decision.(13)The process described in the paragraph above will apply as appropriate to the prioritization of inputs and suggestions.
Annex V
Decision IPBES/1/4 IPBES administrative and institutional arrangements
The Plenary,(1)Takes note of the joint proposal for administering the secretariat of IPBES submitted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and expresses appreciation to the four United Nations organizations for further developing the proposal in response to the requests made at the second session of the Plenary meeting to determine modalities and institutional arrangements for an intergovernmental science-policy platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services, held in Panama City from 16 to 21 April 2012;Institutional arrangements
(2)Requests UNEP, UNESCO, FAO and UNDP to establish an institutional link with the Platform through a collaborative partnership arrangement for the work of IPBES and its secretariat;(3)Requests UNEP to provide the Platform’s secretariat, which will be solely accountable to the IPBES Plenary on policy and programmatic matters;Administrative arrangements
(4)Invites UNEP to provide administrative arrangements for the Platform’s secretariat in accordance with the Rules of UNEP;(5)Requests the Executive Director of UNEP to recruit as soon as possible the head of the Platform’s secretariat, in consultation with UNESCO, FAO, UNDP and the Bureau of the Plenary;(6)Further requests the Executive Director of UNEP to:(a)Finalize a host country agreement with the Government of Germany for the presence of the IPBES secretariat in Bonn;(b)Make those arrangements necessary for the secretariat of the Platform to operate, with a view to having a functioning secretariat, at the latest, by the end of the second session of the Plenary;(c)Provide interim arrangements for the secretariat until such time as those posts of the secretariat determined in Decision IPBES/1/5 Status of contributions and initial budget for the Platform for 2013are filled;(7)Also requests the Executive Director of UNEP, in collaboration with the Executive Heads of UNESCO, FAO and UNDP, to fill through recruitment or secondment the staffing posts of the IPBES secretariat as set out in Decision IPBES/1/5 Status of contributions and initial budget for the Platform for 2013;(8)Also requests the Executive Director of UNEP, in collaboration with the Executive Heads of UNESCO, FAO and UNDP, to fill posts in the secretariat in an incremental manner subject to the availability of resources and taking into account the development of the work programme;(9)Requests UNEP, in consultation with the Bureau, to conduct regular performance appraisals of the secretariat in accordance with the established United Nations practices;(10)Welcomes the offer by UNEP, subject to the approval from its Governing Council, for the secondment of a professional officer to the Platform’s secretariat, and invites UNESCO, FAO and UNDP to also second dedicated staff to the IPBES secretariat;Trust Fund
(11)Invites members of the Platform to submit questions by end of June 2013 to the Platform’s secretariat about either the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office or UNEP administering the Platform’s Trust Fund and requests the Platform’s secretariat to compile and provide information that addresses these questions to members and to the Bureau in time for consideration and a decision by the second Plenary;(12)Requests UNEP to continue to receive financial contributions that are provided for the Platform, until the Platform’s Trust Fund is established.
Annex VI
Decision IPBES/1/5 Status of contributions and initial budget for the Platform for 2013
The Plenary,(1)Takes note of the status of cash contributions and anticipated income (Table 1) and other in-kind contributions provided (Table 2) to support the work of the Platform, expresses appreciation for this support and encourages the early payment of contributions;(2)Invites pledges and contributions to the Trust Fund from Governments, as well as from United Nations bodies, the Global Environment Facility, other intergovernmental organizations and other stakeholders such as the private sector and foundations, to support the work of the Platform;(3)Approves the proposed budget for 2013 (Table 3);(4)Requests the secretariat, working under the guidance of the Bureau, to report back on the expenditure for 2013 and develop the budget for 2014 for consideration at the second session of the Platform’s Plenary, which should include both the administrative elements and the anticipated costs associated with the implementation of the initial work programme.(5)Requests the Bureau to provide oversight of strategic resource commitments to be made by the secretariat, including proposals for the recruitment of budgeted permanent staff.(6)Decides to review the staffing of the Platform at the next session of the Plenary to support the efficient and effective implementation of the work programme.(7)Requests the Bureau to encourage potential donations from Governments, as well as from United Nations bodies, the Global Environment Facility, other intergovernmental organizations and other stakeholders such as the private sector and foundations, to contribute to supporting the work of the Platform.(8)Requests the secretariat in consultation with the Bureau to develop a draft process for the review and evaluation of the Platform’s efficiency and effectiveness.Table 1Status of cash contributions to IPBESTable 1 presents the cash contributions received in 2012, since the establishment of the Platform, and in 2013, as well as anticipated income as at 26 January 2013 (amounts in USD).
| |
2012 |
2013 |
2013
Anticipated income |
Total |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Cash contributions |
|
|
|
|
| Canada |
|
|
40 000 |
40 000 |
| France |
35 663 |
|
268 000 |
268 000 |
| Germany |
1 994 500 |
|
1 300 000 |
3 294 500 |
| Japan[5] |
341 190 |
|
|
341 190 |
| Norway |
141 695 |
|
|
141 695 |
| Switzerland |
|
|
32 000 |
32 000 |
| United Kingdom |
619 480 |
643 697 |
400 000 |
1 663 177 |
| United States of America |
500 000 |
|
500 000 |
1 000 000 |
| IUCN |
30 000 |
|
|
30 000 |
| Grand total |
3 662 528[6] |
643 697 |
2 648 000 |
6 810 562 |
Table 2Status of in-kind contributions to IPBESTable 2 presents the in-kind contributions received in 2012, since the establishment of the Platform (amounts in USD).
| In-kind contributions |
2012 |
| |
|
| Germany[7] |
400 000 |
| UNEP |
447 731 |
| UNESCO |
288 862 |
| FAO |
92 027 |
| UNDP |
155 000 |
| Grand total |
1 383 620 |
Table 3Budget for 2013 adopted by IPBES-1
| Budget item |
Breakdown |
Amount
(in USD) |
| |
|
|
| Meetings of the Platform bodies |
|
|
| 1st session of the Plenary (6 days) |
(Meeting costs: 600 000, travel costs – 100 supported: 400 000) |
1 000 000 |
| 2nd session of the Plenary[8] (5 days) |
(Meeting costs: 525 000, travel costs – 90 supported: 337 500) |
862 500 |
| 1st meeting of the Bureau[9] (6 days) |
(Meeting costs: 10 000, travel costs – 5 supported: 20 000) |
30 000 |
| 2nd meeting of the Bureau (6 days) |
(Meeting costs: 10 000, travel costs – 5 supported: 20 000) |
30 000 |
| 1st meeting of the MEP[10] (3 days) |
(Meeting costs: 25 000, travel costs – 20 supported: 60 000) |
85 000 |
| 2nd meeting of the MEP (3 days) |
(Meeting costs: 25 000, travel costs – 20 supported: 60 000) |
85 000 |
International expert meetings to implement
the intersessional process |
|
0 |
| Subtotal |
|
2 092 500 |
| Secretariat |
|
|
| Secretariat (20 per cent of the annual costs for professional staff, and 50 per cent of the annual costs for administrative staff) |
D1/P5 – Head of secretariat
P3/4 – Programme officer
P2/3 – Programme officer
P2/3 – Programme officer
P1/2 – Associate programme officer
G5 – Administrative support staff
G5 – Administrative support staff
G5 – Administrative support staff |
80 310
61 100
52 110
0
0
55 150
55 150
0 |
| Subtotal |
|
303 820 |
| Interim secretariat arrangements |
|
|
| Interim secretariat |
Personnel costs in advance of the recruitment of the staff of the secretariat for the development of the work programme |
370 000 |
| Subtotal |
|
370 000 |
| Publications, outreach and communications |
|
|
| Outreach and communications |
Website, corporate materials, outreach events, outreach and communications strategy |
100 000 |
| Subtotal |
|
100 000 |
| |
|
|
| Miscellaneous expenses |
|
|
| Travel of secretariat staff on official business |
Staff travel to meetings of the Platform bodies and other necessary travel |
75 000 |
| Monitoring and evaluation |
Development of draft process for review and evaluation of the Platform’s efficiency and effectiveness |
20 000 |
| Contingency |
(5 per cent of total budget) |
148 000 |
| Subtotal |
|
243 000 |
| Contribution to working capital reserve |
|
0 |
| Grand total |
|
3 109 320 |
1. Participation is open to regional economic integration organizations as observers ad interim. ↑2. This includes indigenous and local communities. ↑3. Participation is open to regional economic integration organizations as observers ad interim. ↑4. In the Rules of procedure for the Plenary of the Platform (see UNEP/IPBES.MI/2/9, annex I, appendix II), it is noted that issues of membership and/or participation of regional economic organizations remain under discussion with a view to resolution as soon as possible. It is further noted that participation is open to regional economic integration organizations as observers ad interim. ↑5. USD 300,000 from Japan was received by UNESCO partly to support the organization of an informal expert workshop on the main issues relating to the development of a conceptual framework for the Platform, held from 27 to 29 October 2012 in Paris. Remaining funds will be used in 2013. ↑6. The anticipated carry-over to 2013 from this amount is in the region of USD 1.8 million, subject to the finalization of the 2012 expenditure report. ↑7. The estimated in-kind contributions from Germany in 2013 are USD 400,000. ↑8. Budgeted on the assumption that meeting facilities are provided by the host Government. ↑9. Includes Bureau meetings and attendance of MEP meetings as observers. ↑10. Excluding chairs of scientific subsidiary bodies. ↑