Portugal participates in event on biodiversity and climate change

Portugal was represented by National Delegate Helena Freitas, Professor at the University of Coimbra, at the 10th plenary session of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), held in Bonn (Germany) from August 28 to September 2. This independent organization, open to all United Nations Member States, has the mission of improving the interface between science and policy on issues of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

As national focal point, Helena Freitas addressed the issue of invasive alien species, whose proliferation is one of the five main causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. The meeting concluded that invasive species are global threats to nature, the economy, food security, and human health.

IPBES currently has 143 members, including Portugal. It is the responsibility of FCT to promote and monitor the participation of the national scientific and technological community in international organizations and networks, such as IPBES.

Helena Freitas' interview on the main outcomes of this meeting can be found here.

Photo: Helena Freitas