[Workshop] Improving data to decision flows with actionable scenarios and models for biodiversity conservation through science-policy collaboration. [SIGN-UP NEEDED, SEE DESCRIPTION]
Sun, 14 Jun, 08:30–18:00|Room Schwarzhorn
Sun, 08:30
Scenarios and models are essential tools to inform actions for effective policy implementation in building ecosystem resilience, mitigating climate change, and enhancing human well-being amidst the unfolding polycrisis. However, whether they can support delivering these actions, depends on their forecasting capabilities to respond to rapid change through the integration of novel systems behaviours and the delivery of policy-relevant output.
In a recent review on the scenario modelling capabilities of biodiversity models, with respect to the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework and the IPBES Natures Futures Framework, we have identified key challenges and significant potentials for linking model-based scenario approaches to tackle the biodiversity-related polycrisis. These fundamental challenges include (i) the lack of causal understanding of biodiversity change across scales estimated from fragmented data, (ii) the limitations of integration of qualitative values with quantitative projections, (iii) the heterogeneity in semantic and data organization across science and policy agencies and (iv) the absence of established links between biodiversity science and the public and private sectors, including the economy and finance.
In this workshop, we will provide an open space to discuss these challenges from science-policy and biodiversity modelling perspectives. Discussions will be facilitated by panel sessions starting with science-policy agencies of change, presenting multiscale perspectives on how biodiversity modelling and scenarios are utilized in decision making. This session will be complemented by two panel discussions highlighting global to local scientific innovations from the modelling and scenarios sphere introducing collaborative inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches from biodiversity to finance.
The panel discussions will be followed by interactive exercises to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration with the aim to improve biodiversity models and scenario forecasts for their relevance to multiscale policy reporting and decision-making (e.g. CBD NBSAPs and NRs, corporate disclosure) through scientific advancements and science-policy interfaces (e.g. national biodiversity and ecosystem assessment). Breakout groups will discuss topics around (i) enhancing communication and uptake of biodiversity data, models and scenarios among diverse science and policy agencies, (ii) improving biodiversity representation in integrated assessment models and sectoral models, (iii) linking national biodiversity indicators to detection and attribution capabilities of models and scenarios, and (iv) linking biodiversity to natural capital and the economy understanding the different valuing and measuring systems.
The outcomes of this workshop will provide the basis for a roadmap sketching out needs and essential steps addressing the fundamental challenges and explicitly highlighting synergistic priority actions supporting the development and uptake of societally relevant models and scenarios across scientific and policy spaces.
- Background report on model review: https://sciencesearch.defra.gov.uk/ProjectDetails?ProjectId=21822
- Four pre-workshop webinars: https://km-gbf-model-review.github.io/resources/