Dr. Yvonne Walz, Head of the Environmental Vulnerability and Ecosystem Services (EVES) division at UNU-EHS, has been nominated as a lead author for the methodological IPBES assessment of integrated biodiversity-inclusive spatial planning and ecological connectivity (spatial planning and connectivity assessment).
The assessment will explore how spatial planning can better support biodiversity and ecological connectivity across land, freshwater and marine areas. It will offer guidance for sustainable development that benefits both people and nature. Dr. Walz will contribute expertise to help shape the assessment, which supports the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“I am honoured to contribute to this important process,” Dr. Walz said. “This assessment is a key opportunity to highlight the great potential of spatial planning to simultaneously achieve multiple goals, such as reducing biodiversity loss while promoting sustainable land and sea use.”
The assessment will be finalized in 2027 and presented at the 14th IPBES Plenary session.
