Guide on the production of IPBES assessments

This is a practical guide for experts, technical support units, and all those seeking to understand how IPBES assessment reports are developed, from scoping and drafting to approval and publication. 

This Guide aims to help address conceptual, procedural and practical aspects of the IPBES assessments at all scales, and to promote consistency across different scales. The Guide serves as a ‘Roadmap’ and focuses on key elements assessment practitioners may want to take into account when undertaking an assessment within the context of IPBES. The Guide has been developed for experts who are taking part in assessments approved under IPBES, be they thematic, methodological or general assessments of biodiversity and ecosystems at global, regional and sub-regional levels. The Guide is also meant to assist those who might want to undertake IPBES inspired assessments at sub-regional, national and local levels and to help ensure that such assessments are compatible with larger scale IPBES completed assessments.

Explore the guide

Navigate the key sections of this guide to better understand the purpose, people, and process behind IPBES assessments.

What is an IPBES Assessment? 

An overview of the aims, scope, and unique role of IPBES assessment reports in informing decision-making. 

Who conducts IPBES assessments?

A look at the individuals and bodies involved, from experts and review editors to the IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) and governments.

What is the IPBES assessment process? 

A step-by-step explanation of the IPBES process, including guidance on drafting, review, approval, publication of reports and outreach.