Source: Down to Earth

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Context

• The Blue Planet Prize is an annual award by Japan’s Asahi Glass Foundation recognizing significant scientific contributions to solving global environmental issues.
• The 2024 recipients are IPBES, noted for their authoritative work on biodiversity and ecosystem services, and Robert Costanza, for his foundational work in ecological economics.

Details

Key Points

About IPBES:

Established	2012
Purpose	Strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Role	Leading global authority on the state of knowledge and science regarding biodiversity, ecosystem services, and nature’s contributions to people.
Impact	Facilitates better science-informed policy and action, influences multilateral processes such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Achievements and Contributions:

• Assessment Reports: IPBES reports are critical in shaping international efforts towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
• Corporate Impact: Businesses use IPBES findings to shape corporate sustainability strategies and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) activities.

Robert Costanza:

• Affiliation: Institute for Global Prosperity, University College London.
• Contribution: Foundational work in the field of ecological economics, integrating ecological and economic understanding to promote sustainable development.

Importance of the Blue Planet Prize:

• Recognition: Highlights significant contributions to solving environmental issues.
• Incentive: Encourages further research and application of scientific knowledge to address global environmental challenges.
• Awareness: Raises global awareness about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable practices.

Past Winners:

• Notable Figures: Includes conservationists and scientists like Sir Robert Watson, former IPBES Chair.
• Influence: Many past winners have played pivotal roles in advancing environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Sources:

Down to Earth

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the role of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in shaping international policies for biodiversity conservation. How has IPBES influenced corporate sustainability strategies?