Major international science meeting on biodiversity begins in Manchester

About 1,000 scientists and policymakers from nearly 150 countries are meeting in Manchester until 8 February for the IPBES summit, which is focused on a Business & Biodiversity Assessment linking business with nature.

About 1,000 scientists and policymakers from nearly 150 countries are meeting in Manchester this week for the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The UN-supported summit, hosted by the UK government, runs until 8 February and is centring on the relationship between business and biodiversity. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds relayed a message from His Majesty the King that stressed the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. What is happening: - Around 1,000 delegates from nearly 150 countries are attending IPBES-12 in Manchester. - The meeting aims to approve a Business & Biodiversity Assessment to inform how businesses relate to nature. - Organisers expect the summit to bring about £3.1 million to the local economy. Summary: The summit brings scientific evidence and policymakers together to address nature loss and to seek approval for an intergovernmental assessment linking business activity and biodiversity. Delegates will continue discussions through 8 February, when member governments may decide on approval of the Business & Biodiversity Assessment.