BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, October 9 – The alarming reality of global biodiversity loss is not a distant threat; it is a pressing crisis that requires immediate and transformative action. Dr. Luthando Dziba, the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), stands at the forefront of this challenge. He asserts that science-informed policy action is not just beneficial but essential for the survival of our ecosystems and, ultimately, humanity itself.
Dziba takes on his role at a critical juncture, where a recent IPBES report starkly underscores the rapid decline of biodiversity, driven by humanity’s deepening estrangement from the natural world and an inequitable concentration of power and wealth. As the world grapples with escalating environmental crises, the need for a robust framework that bridges scientific understanding and policymaking has never been more urgent.
“IPBES is not a new platform,” Dziba emphasizes. “It has a strong tradition of co-producing knowledge with member states.” This collaborative model is fundamental to IPBES’s mission. By engaging governments in prioritizing biodiversity challenges and designing assessments, IPBES ensures that scientific insights are directly relevant to policy needs. This integration of scientific research with policy formulation is essential to address the pressing issues of biodiversity loss effectively.
Before taking the helm at IPBES, Dziba’s extensive background in biodiversity conservation, both in South Africa and internationally, positions him as a leader capable of navigating this complex landscape. His previous roles included managing the ecosystem services research area at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and overseeing conservation services at the South African National Parks (SANParks). His wealth of experience equips him to confront the multifaceted challenges that threaten biodiversity.
A significant threat to biodiversity, as Dziba notes, is not merely the well-documented causes like pollution and unsustainable consumption patterns, but the growing skepticism surrounding the credibility of science itself. “We want to ensure that we continue to produce credible work, policy-relevant work but not policy-prescriptive work,” he insists, highlighting the delicate balance that IPBES must maintain in the face of scientific scrutiny.
IPBES, established in 2012, has united over 145 member governments in a collective effort to provide independent, science-based assessments on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Its mission is clear: to deliver credible knowledge that informs policymakers and drives sustainable action. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Rapid human population growth, unchecked development, and the escalating impact of invasive species all threaten the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
Dziba’s vision for combating biodiversity loss centers on holistic, transformative approaches that address interconnected issues rather than treating symptoms in isolation. He argues for a “nexus” perspective that recognizes the complexity of ecological systems and the need for multifaceted solutions. “We need to take a nexus approach… to push meaningful solutions that bring about change,” Dziba asserts. This perspective is vital for creating sustainable practices that benefit not only the environment but also the communities that depend on it.
One shining example of this approach can be found in rural Senegal, where the fight against bilharzia was expanded beyond mere health interventions to include biodiversity considerations. By tackling the pollution and invasive species that enabled the spread of parasitic worms, communities achieved a remarkable 32 percent reduction in infection rates among children, all while improving livelihoods. Such case studies highlight the profound interconnections between health, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
A cornerstone of IPBES’s credibility has been its pioneering effort to merge scientific knowledge with local and indigenous wisdom. Dziba emphasizes the importance of this integration, stating, “We make a very deliberative effort to integrate indigenous and local knowledge right from the start.” By appointing knowledge holders as experts and engaging in dialogues, IPBES ensures that its assessments are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of ecosystems and their impact on communities.
As we look to the future of biodiversity conservation, it is clear that balancing economic development with ecological integrity will remain a persistent challenge. While IPBES does not function as a policymaker, it plays a crucial role in synthesizing evidence on sustainable management and conservation strategies for ecosystems. Strengthening partnerships with UN agencies and conventions like the Convention on Biological Diversity is essential for embedding IPBES’s scientific advice into international policy frameworks.
For Dziba, success during his tenure will hinge on delivering timely, high-quality assessments that decisively shape the post-2030 global biodiversity agenda. He is also committed to securing IPBES’s financial sustainability through innovative funding strategies, including engaging the private sector and philanthropic organizations. “It’s going to take more than just publishing an assessment,” he acknowledges. This holistic approach to funding will be vital in ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of biodiversity conservation efforts.
In a world where the stakes are higher than ever, bridging the gap between science and policy emerges as a lifeline to combat biodiversity loss and secure a sustainable future. Dr. Dziba’s leadership at IPBES represents a crucial opportunity to not only halt the decline of biodiversity but to redefine our relationship with nature and each other. The time for action is now—science must lead the way in safeguarding our planet’s future.
This article highlights the importance of DRIVE BIODIVERSITY ACTION.
