We are pleased to announce the soft launch of the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) web portal. BES-Net is a capacity sharing “network of networks” that promotes dialogue among science, policy and practice for more effective management of biodiversity and ecosystems, contributing to long-term human well-being and sustainable development.

The BES-Net web portal provides a “one-stop shop” for policy relevant information and learning material on different themes and methodologies, such as land degradation and restoration, pollinators pollination and food production, and more. Over the last 6 months, we have been piloting the BES-Net web portal internally within UNDP, while IPBES-related content is being finalized in collaboration with IPBES.

Our global capacity sharing network presently counts 75 organizations playing a key role in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem services as well as 70 international experts, who have agreed to respond and interact with users on issues regarding biodiversity and ecosystem services and poverty eradication in their individual capacities.

We invite you to register as a user of the web portal and, as a first step, share your knowledge through the portal’s thematic libraries. You are also invited to suggest new organizations and experts from both within and outside your organization to join the network and start using the interactive features of the website. This will ensure that the BES-Net web portal serves as a living and flexible platform, adapting to its users’ needs. Additionally, it will give visibility to your organization and its knowledge products.

We hope the BES-Net web portal proves to be a useful tool for your organization and your constituencies. We aim to have a formal launch event in the fourth quarter of 2016; related communication concerning this event will be forthcoming. Until then, we look forward to your suggestions and feedback to further improve it. Thank you again for your support and contributions.