European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a global species protection accord along the lines of the Paris agreement while addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF). Speaking via video (on 26. 02. 2021) von der Leyen said the measure could be debated at this year's UN biodiversity summit China. The Commission president said species protection was key to protecting people against pandemics as well as in the fight against climate chenge. She added that it would also help a number of business sectors.