Science-policy interfaces for biodiversity: an analysis of subnational and local biodiversity strategies and action plans in megadiverse countries of Latin America and the Caribbean

Science-Policy Interfaces for Biodiversity (SPIs) have been predominantly studied on global, regional, and national levels, especially in developed countries. However, studies at subnational and local levels in megadiverse developing countries have received little attention. Based on a qualitative documentary review, this paper analyzes the institutional design of 32 SPIs created for the formulation of Subnational and Local Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans in Latin America and the Caribbean (Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru). Our results show a pattern in the institutional design of their SPIs due to their shared origin, the Convention on Biological Diversity, but present contrasting differences regarding the depth of their biodiversity assessments, and the variety of biodiversity planning approaches addressed. These SPIs had been effective in general terms but show important challenges as the mainstreaming of biodiversity into non-environmental sectors and the need for outputs focused on local decision-making, such as rural communities and indigenous groups.