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. Nearly 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries are expected to participate in this significant event, which aims to enhance the interaction between science and policy regarding biodiversity and ecosystem services.
In conjunction with the plenary, The University of Manchester, University of Salford, and Manchester Metropolitan University will host a special evening event on February 5 at the People’s History Museum. This gathering will bring together academics, businesses, community organizations, policymakers, and regional leaders to discuss collaborative opportunities for promoting nature recovery in Greater Manchester and beyond.
Collaboration for Biodiversity Recovery
The evening event, titled “From Evidence to Action: Mobilising Greater Manchester’s Science, Business and Policy Partnerships for Nature,” aims to spotlight the vital roles that industry, research, and policy must play in achieving biodiversity goals. This initiative aligns with the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement (CUA), reaffirming the commitment of all local universities to enhance the quality of life across the city-region.
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.”
In support of this initiative, Professor Nick Brook, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at Manchester Metropolitan University, highlighted the university’s commitment to sustainability. He noted their sector-leading Carbon Literacy training and the university’s high rankings with People & Planet. “We are shaping global sustainability practice while driving research-led solutions that support nature recovery and stronger communities across Greater Manchester,” he stated.
Engagement and Future Actions
The event will feature presentations from representatives of all three universities, alongside a panel Q&A session with senior figures from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), and DEFRA. Additional participants will be announced as the event date approaches.
Tickets for the evening event are available through Eventbrite, allowing interested attendees to engage with the ongoing dialogue around nature recovery and the collaborative efforts needed to achieve it. This gathering not only marks a pivotal moment for biodiversity discussions but also reinforces Greater Manchester’s role as a leader in environmental sustainability and cooperative research initiatives.
