Dr. Lars Opgenoorth

"A specific point where I was impressed was at IPBES-4, where in my opinion for the first time, countries actually tried to set aside skepticism towards a broad involvement of the public/stakeholders in this process. At the same meeting the first report was adopted."

Portraitfoto Dr. Lars Opgenoorth Foto bereitgestellt von
Dr. Lars Opgenoorth

Angaben zur Person:

Dr. Lars Opgenoorth, evolutionary ecologist and biogeographer

Institutionelle Anbindung:
Philipps-Universität Marburg, Fachbereich Biologie, Allgemeine Ökologie/Tierökologie

Weitere Hintergrundinformationen zu Person und Institution:
https://www.uni-marburg.de/fb17/fachgebiete/oekologie/tieroekologie/mitarbeiter/opgenoorth/opgenoorth

Autor in welcher Expertengruppe / Task Force (vergangen und gegenwärtig); ggf. weitere Funktionen im IPBES-Prozess

  • Lead Author in Kapitel 1 und 3 des Assessments für IPBES-Arbeitsprogramm Element 2 (b); Regionale/subregionale Assessments zu Biodiversität und Ökosystemleistungen für die Region Asien und Pazifik, laufender Prozes


Teilnahme bei anderen IPBES-relevanten Aktivitäten

  • Chair der IPBES-AG der Gesellschaft für Ökologie (GfÖ) (“The International Biogeography Society’s special committee on IPBES”)
  • Beobachter (Observer) bei den vier internationalen Vollversammlungen (IPBES 1-4)
  • Mitglied des deutschen ad hoc-Gremiums zur Auswahl von deutschen Experten für den internationalen Nominierungsprozess / Member of the German National IPBES ad hoc expert committee

Fragen:

Was ist Ihre Motivation, sich aktiv am IPBES-Prozess zu beteiligen?
As its older brother the IPCC - IPBES was initiated to become a tool for decision makers and the general public to learn about the global biodiversity crisis, its tipping points and possible ways out of this crisis? I think that this is one of the most important challenges of our time and thus I am eager to contribute to such work.

Was ist für Sie das Besondere am Weltbiodiversitätsrat IPBES?
I am deeply impressed how the global society set out to lay a solid, scientific basis for rational decisions regarding our future. Furthermore, I think that the path to include different knowledge systems and values is radically different than prior initiatives.

Sie sind bereits schon länger bei IPBES-Prozessen beteiligt. Welche Erfahrungen haben Sie dort  bisher machen können und was hat Sie besonders beeindruckt?
Generally I am most impressed about the fact that countries work on a consensus basis. This is hard work. A specific point where I was impressed was at IPBES-4, where in my opinion for the first time, countries actually tried to set aside skepticism towards a broad involvement of the public/stakeholders in this process. At the same meeting the first report was adopted. Also here, a sense of broad collaboration was in the room.

An welchem Schwerpunktthema arbeiten Sie mit, und was wäre ein wertvolles Resultat aus Ihrer Sicht?
As mentioned I am Lead Author in Chapters 1 and 3 of the Asia & Pacific Regional Assessment (APRA). A good outcome to me would be if we manage to give a balanced view over the biodiversity and ecosystem services of this huge region and still are able to provide a sufficiently enough critical position to actually help mitigate the global biodiversity crisis.


Welche Erfahrungen haben Sie bereits mit "Wissenschafts-Politik-Schnittstellen" gemacht? Welche Chancen und Herausforderungen sehen Sie bei einer Mitarbeit an solchen Schnittstellen?
IPBES has been my first such process in which I have been involved since 2012. My major incentive is to make my work relevant for societal challenges. However, also on a professional as well as personal level this work is very inspiring and helpful – e.g. regarding meeting fascinating, intelligent people from a huge number of different cultures, challenging one’s own positions regarding what we do know and what we  don’t, and not least, starting new networks.

Was ist Ihr persönlicher Wunsch für die Zukunft von IPBES?
That IPBES will provide relevant information and will actually live to see at least a second phase. That said, that countries start providing the necessary funds.