CHM - ORTScience-Policy Interfaces (SPIs) are processes that manage the convergence points between science and policy, including the relationships between scientists and other players in the policy process. They enable the exchange of information, co-evolution and joint improvement of knowledge to enrich the decision-making process and consolidate scientific knowledge. They involve not only scientific and political players, but also other stakeholders such as sector representatives, land managers and NGOs. Underlying these interfaces are different approaches, ranging from highly formal approaches such as the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), to less eminent approaches to science-policy relationships, such as research projects directly linked to decision-makers or informal contact groups working on specific issues. The main characteristics of PSIs are their credibility, relevance and legitimacy: ● Credibility is the perceived quality, validity and scientific appropriateness of the people, processes and knowledge exchanged in the interface; ● Relevance is the relevance and responsiveness of the PSI instrument to political and societal needs; ● Legitimacy is the perceived fairness and balance of PSI processes for all parties involved in the dialogue. |
The establishment of an Intergovernmental Science and Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in 2012 has significantly improved the interface between science and policy. It brings together scientists, policymakers and other stakeholders from around the world to assess and synthesise scientific information, identify knowledge gaps and advise on policies and actions. Since its inception, IPBES has contributed to the implementation of the CBD by providing scientific assessments on various aspects of biodiversity, such as the status and trends of biodiversity, drivers of biodiversity loss, impacts of biodiversity loss on human well-being and possible policy options for conservation and sustainable use. In addition to the assessments produced, IPBES also produces summaries for political decision-makers.
Innovative solutions and methodologies are needed to optimise the links between research and policy and promote stakeholder participation in the development and implementation of new policies. The fragmentation of the institutional framework in Belgium means that many people are involved in biodiversity issues, which is not always conducive to effective work. Creative solutions need to be proposed to establish a mechanism and institutional arrangements to simplify procedures and ensure participation and complementary cooperation (including participation and consultation methods, effective communication models, etc.), and to ensure that the work is done effectively. The positive and negative impacts of socio-cultural and economic factors (including leisure time) should also be assessed. The establishment of a specific stakeholder consultation group by the Belgian authorities could help achieve this objective. This consultation group would enable an ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the government, the scientific community, conservation organisations and other key stakeholders.
Effective communication is an important aspect of linking research and policy. Courses and training materials could be developed to help researchers communicate more effectively, not only about the results of their research, but also about the research process, to better understand how research is planned and conducted. Policymakers could also benefit from training on how to use and seek scientific advice (e.g. how to ask the right questions) and how to identify appropriate sources of information.
The ability of government departments to use scientific information could be strengthened by encouraging transfers from universities and scientific institutions to the government. Secondments in the opposite direction - civil servants taking a sabbatical to join a university or scientific institution - could also help develop a certain expertise and networks.
| Global Targets | Degree of Alignment |
GBF-T21. Data, information and knowledge for decision-making is available GBF-T21. Data, information and knowledge for decision-making is availableEnsure that the best available data, information and knowledge, are accessible to decision makers, practitioners and the public to guide effective and equitable governance, integrated and participatory management of biodiversity, and to strengthen communication, awareness-raising, education, monitoring, research and knowledge management and, also in this context, traditional knowledge, innovations, practices and technologies of indigenous peoples and local communities should only be accessed with their free, prior and informed consent[1], in accordance with national legislation.
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[1] Free, prior and informed consent refers to the tripartite terminology of “prior and informed consent” or “free, prior and informed consent” or “approval and involvement”. | High |