Who is the new president of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity?

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A Colombian will lead the IPBES and is the first woman to do so. Here we tell her who she is

The Humboldt Institute reported that Ana María Hernández is the new president of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Hernández has been serving as head of the Humboldt Institute's Office of International Affairs, Policy and Cooperation since 2010 and will now replace Sir Robert Watson, after having led IPBES for three years.

Leer en español: ¿Quién es la nueva presidenta de la Plataforma Mundial de Biodiversidad?

The news that a woman, for the first time, will direct this platform occurred in Paris. The new president, in statements collected by the Institute, said that "it is an honor to have been elected as President of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). As a Colombian, it represents a fundamental challenge to contribute to this great process of collective construction that involves governments, organizations and world experts from all aspects of knowledge, as a part of decision-making ".

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Hernandez last year had been recognized by the platform. At that time, this body chose her as representative of the Latin American and Caribbean region. Different attendees to the summit congratulated the Colombian. Among them, the director of the Humboldt Institute, Brigitte Baptiste, who affirmed that it is a "great honor for Colombia."

Who is Ana María Hernández?

Hernández is a Professional and Specialist in International Relations at the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University. Her long career in the environmental scene earned her the opportunity to be chosen as the new president.

This is your experience:

• 1997-2001: Researcher of the Policy and Legislation Program
• 2001-2007: Advisor for Biodiversity and Intellectual Property of the Office of International Affairs of the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development
• 2007-2008: Head of this Office
• 2008-2009: Certification Manager
• 2009: Executive Director of Fundación Natura
• 2010 – present: Head of the Office of International Affairs, Policy and Cooperation

What is the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services?

IPBES, as it is known internationally, is the intergovernmental body that "evaluates the state of biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides to society, in response to requests from decision makers." This means that IPBES responds to requests for information made by governments and other stakeholders to resolve their doubts regarding biodiversity.

The main objectives of this platform are:

• Catalyze the production of new knowledge
• Evaluate the existing understanding of ecosystem service concepts
• Collaborate in the creation of public policies
• Promote and prioritize scientific-normative capacity

This institution faces significant challenges taking into account the implementation of the Paris Agreements. Faced with these challenges, Hernandez said that "this recognition that is not really the only mine but all Colombians who work, tireless, for a better future for our children, also means working together based on a respectful and permanent dialogue of knowledge to contribute measurable, feasible and concrete scenarios that are useful to decision makers ".

From LatinAmerican Post we congratulate Ana María Hernández, and we will be attentive to her management.

LatinAmerican Post | Marcela Peñaloza

Translated from "¿Quién es la nueva presidenta de la Plataforma Mundial de Biodiversidad?"