For the first time, authors, reviewers and members of three specialized groups were nominated by governments and other stakeholders. UNEP then followed a selection process.

The following three GEO-5 specialized advisory bodies were convened to support the assessment process:

• The GEO-5 High Level Intergovernmental Advisory Panel: The Panel identified the internationally agreed goals that underpin the assessment. The Panel also provided guidance to authors in the drafting of this Summary for Policy Makers (SPM).

• The Science and Policy Advisory Board: The Board was responsible for strengthening the scientific credibility and policy relevance of the assessment by providing guidance throughout and undertaking an evaluation of the assessment process.

• The Data and Indicators Working Group: The Group provided support to the assessment process on core data.

The SPM is based on and consistent with the findings of the GEO-5 assessment. The GEO-5 Summary for Policy Makers was negotiated and endorsed at an intergovernmental meeting from 29 to 31 January 2012 in the City of Gwangju, Republic of Korea.