Bridging Science, Policy, and Communities: Transforming Global Biodiversity Commitments into Local Actions

As the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 16.2) convened last week (February 25–27) in Rome, Italy, one critical question takes center stage: Who needs the skills to connect, facilitate, and implement solutions for climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality — and how can these solutions be scaled across sectors and societies?

Recently, the Wyss Academy for Nature explored this question through the lens of “telecoupling brokers” in Southeast Asia — individuals who bridge science, policy, and society. They tackle not only ecological challenges but also navigate social fragmentation and inequality, offering practical insights for building inclusive, evidence-based solutions that empower Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

Led by Dr. Van Nguyen from the Transformative Integrative Biodiversity Conservation research team, Wyss Academy for Nature and Vice Director of PanNature, the report  “From Global Commitments to Local Actions: Strengthening IP&LCs and CSOs Leadership in Climate and Biodiversity Governance” is the result of a collaboration with The Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme Asia (NTFP-EP Asia) and 44 representatives from eight ASEAN countries at the ASEAN CSO Forum on Social Forestry.

Read the full report to learn how transformative change goes beyond ideas — it requires action, collaboration, and a commitment to bridging science, policy, and society.