Global biodiversity conference opens in southern France

By DANIEL COLE and SYLVIE CORBET
Associated Press

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Ahead of a global summit on biodiversity in France, President Emmanuel Macron has called for better protection of the high seas, which largely don’t fall under any national jurisdiction but are threatened by fishing and other human activities. He was speaking ahead of a global summit on biodiversity starting Friday in the French southern coastal city of Marseille. Macron is expected to urge world leaders and institutions to safeguard biodiversity as they work to curb climate change and support human welfare. Thousands of people are set to attend the event, both in person and virtually, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference, which is held every four years, focuses on urgent actions needed to protect wildlife.