New Zealand Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson is to represent the country at the 11th Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad, India, the New Zealand government announced Monday.

"New Zealand has a long history of actively engaging in these meetings," Wilkinson said in a statement.

"The decisions which come from them cover a wide range of issues, set international environmental standards, and have the potential to cut across our agricultural and trade interests," the statement added.

Key areas to be discussed would include biodiversity and livelihoods, integration of the value of biodiversity in national planning, strategic resource mobilization and coastal and marine biodiversity.

"These topics are of key relevance to New Zealand. I look forward to taking part in this convention," Wilkinson said.

An estimated 8,000 delegates, including representatives from states, non-government organizations and indigenous people's groups, were expected to attend the convention, which runs from Oct. 8 to 19.

A high-level meeting of ministers and heads of state will be held from Oct. 16 to 19.

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