Taking place on the 19th to 21st of May 2026, the BESPIN Regional Trialogue for Europe and Central Asia will bring together policymakers, scientists, practitioners and traditional and local knowledge holders to explore how biodiversity and climate evidence can be better connected and applied. Organized by the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) in partnership with REinforcing Science-Policy INterfaces for integrated biodiversity and climate knowledge and policies (RESPIN) and with the help of the IPBES Europe and Central Asia Network (ECA Network), the Trialogue provides a space for open dialogue, peer exchange and practical learning.

Why this Trialogue

Biodiversity across Europe and Central Asia is in steep decline. Wetland extent has decreased by 50 per cent since 1970, while natural and semi-natural grasslands, peatlands and coastal marine habitats have been significantly degraded. Species diversity is also declining, with 28 per cent of assessed species endemic to Europe and Central Asia now threatened with extinction.

Assessments produced by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlight a critical insight: biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation and climate change are deeply interlinked and require integrated, systemic responses.

The IPBES Nexus Assessment underscores that addressing biodiversity and climate in isolation is no longer viable. Fragmented efforts risk perpetuating inefficiencies and undermining progress across sectors.

At the same time, gaps in policy uptake persist. Institutional responses remain siloed, with limited coordination across ministries, fragmented funding mechanisms and insufficient use of scientific evidence in national planning processes. This disconnect between knowledge and implementation remains a major barrier to transformative change.

The BESPIN Regional Trialogue for Europe and Central Asia is a three-day interactive programme designed to help bridge the policy gap by fostering mutual learning, strengthening institutional coherence, and supporting the co-creation of integrated national responses. Throughout the event, participants will engage directly with knowledge generated by IPBES and IPCC.

Follow BES-Net and RESPIN on LinkedIn for the latest updates on the Trialogue.