Catalysing the Nature Futures Framework

The scenarios and models task force of the Intergovernmental Policy Platform on Biodiversity Ecosystem Service meets to implement the Nature Futures Framework.

Above: Members of the IPBES scenarios and models taskforce at the workshop in South Africa. (image courtesy of Csaba Foldesi)

In November 2022 members of the Intergovernmental Policy Platform on Biodiversity Ecosystem Service (IPBES), an independent intergovernmental body comprised of close to 140 nations converged on Wits University Rural Facility close to Kruger National Park in South Africa for a workshop focused around the Nature Futures Framework (NFF) which provides a methodology to incorporate different perspectives and ways of valuing nature for decision makers.

It does this through three ‘lenses”, as per the below diagram. The first lens, nature for nature recognise the intrinsic value of natural systems, looking to preserve space for the conservation of nature. The second lens nature for people relates to provision of ecosystem services and utilitarian functions assigned to nature. And the third lens, nature as culture aligns with relational values, recognising people as an integral part of nature. The NFF has been the focus of recent efforts by members of IPBES’ scenarios and models task force (which includes CSIRO researches) to advance the work of creating nature-centred scenarios for positive futures. A key objective of the workshop was to receive feedback for the methodological guidance and further catalyse future work around the NFF framework. The workshop sessions centred around both common and specific features in scenario planning, developing narratives, indicators, and models, as well as limitations and potential applications for research and practice communities to develop scenarios and models for decision making and policy planning that incorporate nature conservation and good quality of life outcomes.

The taskforce anticipates the NFF framework will inform scenarios and decision-making process including the post 2020 Convention on Biology Diversity (CBD) on biodiversity. And could also be applied in new case study applications, and stakeholder engaging with local, state and federal governments departments to catalyse this important work.