Portugal participates in event on biodiversity and climate change

Portugal was represented by the National Delegate, Helena Freitas, Full Professor at the University of Coimbra, at the 10th plenary session of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which took place in Bonn (Germany) from 28 August to 2 September. This independent organisation, open to all Member States of the United Nations, aims to improve the interface between science and politics on issues of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

As the national focal point, Helena Freitas addressed the problem of invasive alien species, the proliferation of which is one of the five leading causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. The meeting concluded that invasive species are a threat to nature, the economy, food security and human health.

IPBES currently has 143 members, including Portugal. FCT is responsible for promoting and monitoring the participation of the national scientific and technological community in international organisations and networks, such as IPBES.

You can find Helena Freitas' interview on the main results here.

Photo: Helena Freitas