46 



Conservation of natural resources is a lom»-term endeavor that requires long-term investment 

 Such investment requires a solid base for funding. Africa cannot do it alone. The United 

 States government I as been z world leader in the stewardship of the global environment and 

 is a source of inspiration for many Africans. Now, more than at any other period du^ng the 

 last two decades, Africa needs the United States to stand by its side with reforms that will 

 make governments responsible to their citizens through the protection of the natural resource 

 base *hich, directly or indirecdy, is the basis for their well-being 



Experience shows that finding new money for environmental activities is very hard these 



days. That, coupled with this era of budget reductions would render a proposition for 



additional funding unlikely. It is crucial, therefore, that existing funds be utilized very 



effectively. Mew ways must be explored that will leverage funds from different sources. 



Innovative ar proarhes include the establishment of trust funds and debt reduction 



mechanisms. Congr.ss has played a key role by passing laws allowing these innovative 



developments. 



CONCLUSION 



Now is not the ume to abandon Africa. I have spent the last 18 years working on the 



environmental issuer in Africa and I know that the political and economic reforms currently 

 taking place in Af.-iia will only be meaningful if the environment is afforded a high priority 

 The United S^tes cm and should endeavor to make that possible. Today, we are presented 

 with the opportunity to reverse a conservation crisis in Africa, and if we do not do something 



about it, future generations will never pardon us. 



Even as we speak, the impetus for change in environmental attitudes is being manifested in 

 Africa. We zit witnessing a number of indigenous environmental NGOs developing 

 throughout the continent. Only five years ago, this was not the case. With assistance, they 

 will mature, and as expener.ee has sho*n on oiher continents, they have the potential of 

 ushemg in effecuve natural resource management. 



