• What does IMoSEB mean?

IMoSEB stands for International Mechanism of Scientific Expertise on Biodiversity

• Why a consultative process?

A consultative process is a mean to consult a broad spectrum of stakeholders on a specific subject

• Who is funding the consultative process ?

The French government has, so far, been the main funder of the consultative process. Other countries are, and will be invited to contribute.

• When will the consultative process be over?
  

The first steering committee meeting in Feb 2006, drafted an 18-month plan of action. Final recommendations should be made by mid 2007

• How many people are involved in the International Steering Committee?

90 people belong to the International Steering Committee. Scientists, governments, NGOs, Internationals Organizations, UN specialized agencies, research initiatives, local communities are represented. You can find a list at http://www.imoseb.net/general_overview

An Executive Committee (EC) appointed by the ISC leads the consultative process

• Who can participate in the International Steering Committee of the consultative process?

If you, your country, organization or company would like to be part of the consultative process, you should make a request to the Executive secretariat

• Where is the IMoSEB secretariat located?

The Executive Secretariat is located in Montpellier, France. Work is done in partnership with the DIVERSITAS secretariat, located in Paris

• How was the consultative process initiated?

The International Mechanism of Scientific Expertise on Biodiversity is a follow-up to the international Conference of Paris « Biodiversity: Science and governance » held in January 2005.
One of the main conclusions of the conference was the wish to launch a consultative process to assess the need, scope and options of such a mechanism.

• What is the agenda of the consultation?

Following its first meeting, the EC drafted an 18month plan of action:
First step: March-October 2006

A set of surveys currently being performed to:
•Map out the decision-making landscape affecting biodiversity;
•Analyze, using case studies, successes and failures to preserve biodiversity at different scales;
•Analyze existing models delivering scientific expertise and its use in decision-making

November 2006
Second meeting of the Executive Committee to plan a series of regional consultations, worldwide, based on findings of studies.

January-April 2007
On-going world-wide international consultation.

June 2007
Final meeting of the ISC, to consider the results of the consultation, and produce a set of final recommendations.

• What could be the result of the consultative process?

At the end of the consultation, the ISC will present a set of recommendations from the consultation, on what IMoSEB could be, would do, etc.. We will only know at this time what is the result of the consultation (establishment of a new body?, strengthen existing bodies?, follow-up of the consultation?)

• How can I participate to the consultative process?

You can express your ideas on the IMoSEB electronic forum

• How can I be updated on the consultative process?

You can be updated on the work on the consultation by checking regularly the IMoSEB Website participate to the IMoSEB Forum, and let us know if you would like to receive the electronic newsletter

• For any others questions, please do not hesitate to contact us