LLF presented at Berlin Declaration event
Ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP15), an alliance of renowned researchers gathered to call on Germany to act urgently for global biodiversity, with Legacy Landscapes Fund (LLF) discussed as a key instrument to tackle the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
At an event held on 22 May at the Berlin Museum of Natural History, LLF was described by leading researchers as a powerful instrument for protecting species and carbon-rich landscapes. Christiane Laibach, board member of KfW, spoke at the event to give insight into LLF’s first year. KfW founded LLF on behalf of the German government in 2020.
The event marked the presentation of a two-page paper called the “Berlin Declaration”, which urges vigorous action by Germany on the critical issue of biodiversity. Published in the name of the directors of the three Leibniz Natural History Museums, the paper argues that Germany bears special responsibility to ensure the success of the upcoming COP15 due to its current G7 presidency. Nature-based solutions are also touted by the researchers as playing a valuable role in sustainably preserving natural landscapes.
On the position of LLF, the Berlin Declaration states: “The international Legacy Landscape Fund, launched by Germany at the end of 2020, is a very powerful instrument for the sustainable protection of the most species- and carbon-rich areas on Earth. It accomplishes this with the close involvement of indigenous peoples and local communities, upholding their full rights. One billion Euros in additional private funds can be mobilized globally if two billion Euros of public funds are invested. Instead of the current seven, up to 100 major protected areas could be permanently safeguarded worldwide for future generations.”
The full livestream of the event can be watched here.