DPA
Bonn (Germany), May 27 (DPA) German Chancellor Angela Merkel Wednesday urged a key UN conference on preserving biodiversity to take “trailblazing decisions” to halt global species loss. “I am convinced that we need a complete change of course in the preservation of species,” Merkel told representatives of around 190 countries that have signed the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Merkel pledged that Germany would put up 500 million euros ($785 million) by 2012, the target set to significantly curb species loss.

Germany would contribute 500 million euros a year thereafter, she said.

Speaking at the ninth meeting of the parties to the CBD being held in Bonn, Merkel said the conference was an opportunity for the world community to “state that we are ready to accept responsibility.”

She acknowledged, however, that the world faced a “gigantic task.”
DPA