Harnessing Independent Scientific Advice to Reconcile Conservation and Economic Development Goals

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, business and government leaders are increasingly faced with challenges on how to reconcile biodiversity conservation and development. Financial leaders are more attuned to their portfolio risks and regulations, as well as concerns expressed by impacted communities and civil society. The independent scientific and technical advisory panels are valuable tools and effective mechanisms to address complex and often controversial conservation and development issues. Bringing together internationally recognized experts, such panels can provide objective scientific advice on how to reduce a project’s impacts on nature and help find solutions that contribute to conservation while still meeting economic and development goals. The session will share the experience gained from convening and managing such panels and provide an opportunity to identify situations in which they could help address emerging issues and challenges.