By Fiona Hodge

Last month the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) was voted into existence by UN delegates from around the world.

The creation of IPBES is an exciting new step in addressing the current biodiversity extinction crisis. The body will review science as-it-happens and present key findings and general overviews to policy makers, allowing better informed decision making.

Interestingly the major driver of IPBES was the concern that scientific discoveries were staying in academic corridors for too long before reaching the wider world. In a landscape of extinctions and loss of ecosystem services (the valuable services provided by ecosystems such as pollination, water purification, erosion protection…) early warnings are particularly critical.

However, even with all the current scientific information at hand would government policies change? In their press release the creators are optimistic.

“The new body will bridge the gulf between the wealth of scientific knowledge- documenting accelerating declines and degradation of the natural world- and the decisive government action required to reverse these damaging trends”.

Certainly having accessible summaries on the state of biodiversity, based on current science, is a key part for the development of rational policies.

Here in New Zealand we had the establishment of a Science Advisory Committee last year. The two part-time Science Advisors provide government ministers with a scientific perspective on policy matters, and promote public engagement and understanding of science.

Whilst IPBES focuses on relaying science directly to policy makers, our Science Advisors believe in transmitting science to policy via a scientifically informed public. “I must remind myself constantly as the Prime Minister’s science advisor that science does not choose policy”, the Chief Science Advisor Dr Gluckman said last month, adding that science informs the public to choose their politicians or policies.

Relying on an informed public is the central tenet of democracy, and serves to illustrate the need for an independent, scientifically literate and curious media. If we’ve learnt anything from the childhood game of Chinese Whispers, it’s the importance of clear communication.