In many regions of Europe, pandemic contact restrictions remain tight. Authorities fear the spread of new coronavirus variants. But in the Spanish city of Madrid, things still seem to be easy-going. And word has gotten around – to tourists.

Nigeria is aiming to stem a spate of kidnappings in the Gulf of Guinea with a slew of new equipment - including nearly $200 million worth of drones, helicopters and boats. But experts say the country also needs to tackle deep-seated issues onshore - including endemic poverty in the Niger Delta and corruption in security agencies - if it has any hope of a lasting solution to the rash of abductions.

The world has not yet been able to safeguard ecosystems that are key to the well-being of humanity, the United Nations biodiversity chief has said.

Amid an unprecedented extinction event, scientists have warned that protecting biodiversity is essential to protecting human life. However, experts are unsure whether China has the experience to lead a global effort.

UN biodiversity chief: 'Without biodiversity, there would be no life'

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus has hit Berlin hard, yet despite rising numbers of new infections, businesses and markets remain open. DW visits some markets to ask vendors and customers what impact the danger has had on them.

Decades of conflict has made Iraq a hotbed for trafficking. From weapons to drugs, Iraq has dominated headlines. However, less attention has been focused on the trafficking of wild animals. In fact, the Middle East is considered one of the hubs of animal trafficking. Our correspondent in Iraq, Lucile Wassermann, went to meet the players in the trading of wildlife to understand the drivers behind it.

With humans facing an existential crisis from biodiversity loss, countries are attempting to strike an agreement along the lines of the Paris climate pact. But the long-delayed process needs political leadership.

Talks are currently underway in Kenya on a new international treaty to tackle dramatic species loss. What exactly is at stake? Here's what you need to know.

According to the latest report from the World Wildlife Fund, global wildlife populations have declined by a whopping 69 percent over the past 50 years. It's an urgent reminder of what's at stake as world leaders prepare to meet in early December for their biggest biodiversity conference in a decade, with the goal of agreeing to a new framework to protect the world's plants and animals.

After a two-year delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the COP15 summit will open on December 7 in Canada to address the biodiversity crisis. We take a closer look at the African nation of Gabon, which the UN considers a leader in protecting the environment.

Two weeks after the COP27 wrapped up in Egypt, negotiators are meeting in Montreal, Canada for a UN summit focused on biodiversity. Countries will be setting their targets to protect the world's ecosystems, with the goal of coming up with a Paris-style agreement. It comes as the planet is facing a sixth mass extinction event – one that, as Australian ecologist Mark Burgman explains, humans are responsible for – both because of how and what we consume and how quickly we do so. He joined us for Perspective.