A new mechanism for science-policy transfer and biodiversity governance?

SUMMARY New initiatives are being proposed to create knowledge-transfer mechanisms between biodiversity science and so-called ‘decision makers’ that are apparently ignoring some of the significant differences to which biodiversity governance is subject at different scales. Shifting scales seriously change the rules of knowledge transfer; some implications of this are explored. Appropriate scope and focus are vital for international initiatives. There is no substitute for the full development of local capacities, and the multinational lending agencies interested in the conservation of biodiversity, the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, and others should support such national efforts and establish regional training facilities to help generate the human and basic institutional capacities needed.