In line with its continued efforts to encourage the marine science community to engage in IPBES biodiversity assessments and strengthen their marine components, EuroMarine is proud to have co-sponsored (after a decision of the Chairs, using budget remnants from the Secretariat) the surprise dance performance of the opening ceremony of IPBES 7th plenary meeting (Unesco, Paris, 29 April 2019) called Steps for a change.
IRD Images has filmed and edited the moving performance of 14 girls dancing for biodiversity.
IPBES account of the show: At the IPBES 7th Plenary Opening Session, a surprise youth initiative delivered a moving performance before the honorable guests, delegates and media at UNESCO. Through six dance sequences (oceans, coral reefs, deep seas, invasive species, desertification, restoration of natural areas), the dancers aged between 7 and 13 from “Les Arts en Scène” dance school (Montpellier, France) carry a message : the urgency to act in the face of biodiversity loss. « Steps for a change » is a creation by Emily Lartillot (dance teacher and choreographer) and Yunne Shin (IRD marine ecologist, and coordinating lead author of the IPBES Global Assessment on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services). Steps for a change was realized in partnership with IPBES, IRD, UNESCO, FRB, MARBEC, University of Montpellier, CeMEB, EuroMarine and CERES.
To read on the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services launched at the 7th plenary, click here:
