SANParks executive appointed an MEP

SA NATIONAL Parks managing executive for conservation services Dr Luthando Dziba has been appointed a member of the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel in the 6th Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (Ipbes).

“The recently approved reports of regional assessments for Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific and Asia and Central Europe as well as land degradation add an important regional dimension to other aspects of biodiversity and ecosystem services. I am proud to have been appointed as a member of the MEP.”

SANParks said that World Environment Day, celebrated yesterday, was aimed at creating awareness and action for the protection of our environment.

“The Ipbes is an independent intergovernmental body, established by UN member states in 2012.

“It provides policy-makers with objective scientific assessments about the state of knowledge regarding the planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems and the benefits they provide to people, as well as the tools and methods to protect and sustainably use these vital natural assets.”

SANParks said the MEP was comprised of five expert participants from each of the five UN regions, overseeing all Ipbes scientific and technical functions.

“They are appointed for three years with the possibility of re-election for one consecutive term.

“Their functions are (to) provide advice to the plenary on scientific and technical aspects of the platform’s programme of work, help oversee the platform’s peerreview process to ensure the highest levels of scientific quality, independence and credibility for all products delivered by the platform,” Dziba said. – African News Agency (ANA)