Strengthening the Science-Policy Interface Towards Sustainable Development

1. Strengthening the Science-Policy Interface Towards Sustainable Development Dr. Gisbert Glaser International Council for Science (ICSU) Side Event at 2nd Meeting of Rio 2012 Preparatory Committee New York, 8 March 2011

2. Good Policies/Governanceneed good science • Policy setting and implementation must be based on the best available knowledge, (natural, social, economic, health, engineering, etc. sciences • Strengthening the scientific base of environment and sustainable development governance institutions should be one major building block of institutional reform, to be agreed upon by Rio+20.

3. Existing science-policy interface mechanisms (IEG): Assessment Bodies • Assessment Body • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) • Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services • (IPBES) Policy Body • UNFCC • CBD

4. Continuum from observations/research/modelling, through assessments, to science based s.d. policies • Scientific assessments (e.g. IPCC, MEA, IAASTD): • Establish the current knowledge on a given problem and its future risks; most include assessments of options for action. • Need to be repeated or updated periodically. (Concerns about time lags) • Interdisciplinary scientific information • Based on interdisciplinary research and knowledge

5. Scientific advisory bodies (e.g. SBSTAs): • Provide regular scientific and technical advice to COPs of Conventions, multilateral organisations etc. • Set their agenda with the programme of work decided by the intergovernmental body. • (Concerns about scientific independence and quality)

6. Criteria for best practiceof science-policy interface processes • scientific independence, excellence and credibility • policy relevant scientific knowledge and information (interdisciplinary knowledge and information; participatory approach) • policy coherence across sectors (integrated approach – three pillars and across sectors;)

7. Legitimacy in a political contextand mutual trust • Geographically balanced: representation of the global scientific community. • Open, inclusive, including also major civil society actors and the private sector (participatory approach) • Transparency of the process(es). • Good communication by scientists about processes, strengths and limitations of their work.

8. Other science-policy interface Mechanisms • Chief science advisors • Science for Policy briefs • Hearings • Other ?

9. Regional S & T Workshops for Rio+20 • giving a voice to scientific communities in 4 developing regions (Asia/Pacific; Africa, LAC, West Asia) • organised jointly by ICSU and UNESCO (Regional Offices) • Dialogue sessions with governments; other stakeholders/Major Groups

10. Major global “science for policy” events – Rio+20 • International Conference “Planet Under Pressure”, London, March 2012 • International Forum on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development, Rio de Janeiro, May/June 2012

11. Scientific uncertainty • Uncertainty will always be a feature of scientific research. • Used as an excuse for not developing rigorous policies and taking action. • 1992 Rio: Precautionary principle (Principle no. 15 in Agenda 21). • Often not well implemented.

12. Dealing with uncertainty • Where gaps exist, present the scope of scientific hypotheses and define the level of uncertainty. Communicate openly. • Assess the likely consequences of taking no action. • Diverging views among scientists can be worrying for policy makers. • Need to weigh few divergent views against international scientific peer-reviewed consensus.

13. Ways forward • Develop a strategic approach to strengthening science-policy links in individual organisations (e.g. CSD, UNEP,etc.); for each Convention/multilateral environmental/sustainable development agreement; institutions at the regional and national levels. • Follow “best practice” to ensure high quality, independent, policy relevant, and “geo-politically” legitimate scientific information and advice. • Support developing countries to build capacity in science and technology, as well as in science for policy processes. • Strengthen research and science for sustainable development and on global environmental change.

14. Strengthening International Science for the Benefit of Society “Think piece” prepared for Stakeholder Forum’s SDG2012 programme (February 2011): Enhancing Science-Policy Links for Global Sustainability By Gisbert Glaser, PhD, and Peter Bates, PhD, International Council for Science (ICSU)

15. Science for policy • Thank you!

16. Policy relevance and coherence • Participatory approach: Consensus process between scientific experts, governmental policy makers and other stakeholders at all stages. Participation of the private sector and major civil society actors is a critical element. • As a first step, needs in terms of scientific information and advice, and key questions, should be identified jointly from a policy perspective. • Integrated approach: Integrated scientific advice cutting across environmental, economic and equity problems.