18 



ture lies in ensuring that rural communities have an economic 

 stake in conservation. 



In conclusion, I would like to say that humankind has a duty to 

 conserve the environment of the world. In Africa, there is still time 

 to do so. However, I must warn that more and more indicators 

 show that we have now reached the cross-roads. We must decide 

 now whether we are going to proceed in our efforts to conserve the 

 rich and diversified life that Africa offers side by side with our Afiri- 

 can partners or not. 



Finally, I invite you, Madam Chairperson, to visit some of our 

 projects in Africa. I am confident that you would be satisfied with 

 the tremendous benefits these projects are providing for the local 

 people, their countries, the African ecology, and the global commu- 

 nity. 



I thank you. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Nsanjama appears in the appen- 

 dix.] 



Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. Thank you, Henri, and thank you, Ron. I just 

 have one question that both of you could answer. 



What is the proper relationship between animals and humankind 

 or mankind when both share the same space, as it relates to the 

 African continent; and how can this relationship be maintained for 

 the benefit of both, what do you see as the proper balance? 



Mr. Marlenee. The proper balance is the opportunity to develop 

 a sustainable use supported by that local population. As long as 

 that population of indigenous people understands that there is 

 value to the wildlife, they will protect it. They will support the 

 habitat that is necessary to maintain those populations. They will 

 support the 



Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. Economic value, you mean, or what kind of 

 value? 



Mr. Marlenee. A sustainable use, economic value, under profes- 

 sional wildlife management. Then they will support that popu- 

 lation. And they will support the habitat necessary. And extending 

 it on, they will support the establishment of well springs, and 

 parks, and areas that make certain that these populations can be 

 generated for the whole of the area. But if you take away that in- 

 centive, then it is protein through poaching. 



Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. Thank you. Henri. 



Mr. Nsanjama. I agree with Ron. I must although say that hu- 

 mans are going to decide what animals are going to be protected 

 and in what numbers. Humans decide that. Now, having said that, 

 we must remember that we have evolved side by side with these 

 wild resources. And, it is a moral obligation on our part to make 

 sure that these animals do survive. So there is a moral obligation 

 in making the decision. But having also said that, given the com- 

 petition for space, people are going to make good decisions about 

 wildlife, if that wildlife can contribute to the economic benefit of 

 those people. 



Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. Well, we thank you very much for joining us 

 today. We thank the audience for bearing with our many interrup- 

 tions. We will have another round of these hearings on the ecology 

 of Afi-ica and the proper role and balance for U.S. policy to main- 



