This document corresponds to the Glossary of the IPBES thematic assessment of the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, determinants of transformative change and options for achieving the 2050 Vision for Biodiverty.

Language influences how we perceive the world and how we think about and communicate
transformative change. It also influences the actions that we take, as well as those that we
overlook or fail to take. However, there is no one-language-fits-all approach to understanding
and activating transformative change. Many important qualities and characteristics of
biodiversity and human-nature relationships are not captured in the English language
(Harrison, 2008). For example, many Indigenous languages refer to the natural world through
expressions, metaphors and concepts that capture the complex flow and interdependence of
life (Salmón, 2000). Of the more than 7,000 languages spoken around the world today, an
estimated 3000 (43%) are endangered (Endangered Languages Project, n.d.). The period
between 2022-2032 has been declared the International Decade of Indigenous Languages,
which among other objectives aims for constitutional and legal recognition, preservation and
revitalization of Indigenous languages (International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022
– 2032 | United Nations For Indigenous Peoples, n.d.). Recognizing the strong relationship
between language diversity and biodiversity (Gorenflo et al., 2012), as well as the importance
of a pluralistic understanding of transformative change (chapter 1, box 1.5), this glossary
includes words and concepts from diverse languages that are referred to in the assessment.
Recognising that there are several definitions for each term, the glossary reflects a balance
between being comprehensive and focused. The definitions provided are not universal; they
are related to the context of the Transformative Change Assessment.