Introduction

For many academics and practitioners operating within the field of environmental governance, “SPI” is a familiar acronym. They are used to hearing it both in its singular and plural forms. “Science–policy interface” (SPI) or “science–policy interfaces” (SPIs) have indeed become part of established vocabulary at different governance scales. Thus, encountering a policy document issued by a national government agency discussing the importance of “strengthening the science–policy interface” may not come as a surprise. Similarly, while surfing the website of a United Nations body, it is no source of amazement to learn that its member states have decided to “establish a new SPI.”