National Ecosystem Assessment

National Ecosystem Assessments

National ecosystem assessments synthesize critical knowledge on biodiversity and ecosystem services to empower the full consideration of nature’s values in decision-making.

Members of the Grenada La Baye Alternative Livelihoods Organisation cultivating Seamoss. Seamoss (Gracileria sp.) is a red alga cultivated along some coastal areas in Grenada. It is harvested to produce a nutrient rich drink as well as other products such as thickening agents and soap. Photo by Aine Brathwaite (2019)

Join the SGAN

Global Activities

National ecosystem assessments are supported by UNEP-WCMC’s NEA Initiative. Leveraging the expertise of the Sub-Global Assessment Network (SGAN), global activities encompass:

A capacity-building programme that includes regular workshops, a dedicated website hosting knowledge and resources, fellowship programmes and exchange visits
Global training workshops with country partners and up-to-date training materials on national ecosystem assessments made available online
Knowledge-sharing and case studies disseminated through webinars, workshops and side events at international and regional biodiversity conferences
Supporting national engagement with international processes, IPBES and CBD

National Activities

Tailoring the IPBES assessment process to specific country needs, the national ecosystem assessment process encompasses the production of a technical assessment report, a summary for policymakers document and policy support tools for integrating assessment findings into country-level decision-making.

BES-Net contributes to building capacity and knowledge exchange at the national level through national ecosystem assessments in 11 countries across four continents. This supports IPBES’ work programme and Capacity-building Rolling Plan.

BES-Net also supports the assessment process by collaborating with country partners to organize national Trialogues. Through these Trialogues, BES-Net creates a three-way dialogue among scientists, policymakers and practitioners, as well as Indigenous Peoples and local communities, farmers, businesses, civil society and non-governmental organizations.

Photo by Malawi National Ecosystem Assessment team (2023)

Indigenous and Local Knowledge

The NEA Initiative, in partnership with the BES-Net Indigenous and Local Knowledge Support Unit led by UNESCO’s Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) programme, supports country partners to effectively incorporate Indigenous and local knowledge in their national ecosystem assessments alongside scientific evidence.