The UK Parliament's Commons Science and Techology select committee is conducting an inquiry on science and international development. Written evidence is available on the inquiry page.
The UK Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs (Defra) has provided an update on the 2011 White Paper on the environment. Also just launched is a new Ecosystem Markets Task Force to report in 2013 on green goods, markets and services. Defra have also published a working paper on Payments for Ecosystem Services, giving useful high-level analysis and background policy research results.
UNESCO has launched a Biodiversity Initiative. Not much information on planned actvities, but mention of objectives relating to science and policy; culture and society; and education. Mentions engagement with IPBES.
The CBD Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) met in Montreal in early November. CBD meeting report and documents are available and a comprehensive summary and analysis from IISD. SBSTTA is developing perspectives and advice for the COP - the next in October 2012 in Hyderabad. Particular points and recommendations;
