34 



1. Savannas 



Africa is perhaps best known for its savannas, such as the Serengeti. The savanna 

 ecosystem is better developed and more extensive in Africa than anywhere else in the 

 tropics. The great herds of migrating wildebeest and other large mammals of the 

 Serengeti/Masai Mara ecosystem in Tanzania and Kenya are perhaps the most unique 

 sights in Africa. The rich and boldly-marked giraffe and zebra, moving through mixed 

 herds of antelopes, as lions and elephants stand majestically watching, are the images that 

 epitomize Africa to people around the world. 



In terms of the savanna's link to the people who inhabit it, the savanna has the widest 

 range of potential for domesticated animals, and the greatest diversity of flora from which 

 to select future crops. Humans are heavily dependent on open country crops and open 

 country herds such as cattle, goats, and sheep. The future of agricultural innovation 

 therefore lies in Africa, which still has potential in terms of species domestication. There 

 is little wonder that the majority of Africans live in the savanna region. 



2. Tropical Forests 



In terms of biological diversity, the tropical forests of Africa are of major global 

 importance. Of all ecosystems in Africa, they contain the greatest number of species 

 including plants for valuable drugs and edible fruits. The Anceistocladus korupensis, 

 found in Korup National Park in Cameroon, is known to kill the AIDS virus and is 

 currently under extensive research as a cure for the disease. Prunus africana, also a 

 plant from Cameroon, is one of the best treatments for prostrate cancer. 



Humanity is in danger of losing this storehouse of thousands of potential cures before we 

 have time to learn how they could be used. United States' policy towards Africa must 

 recognize the treasure that lies in central Africa, particularly the Congo Basin. This 

 forest is one of the world's last great stores of untapped biological wealth. 



3. Montane Forests 



African montane forests also serve a vital function for human needs by protecting 

 watersheds and water supplies to the lowland areas. My native country, Malawi, is 

 heavily dependant on the watersheds from montane forests. Seventy percent of animal 

 protein consumed in Malawi is from fish. All major the catchments of the rivers that 

 feed Lake Malawi are protected in the Nyika National Park. Nearly all the fish eaten in 

 Malawi come from the lake. 



Montane forests also protect spectacular and interesting fauna and fiora, including 

 mountain gorillas, golden moles and giant alpine plants. Ecotourism in Rwanda, which is 

 basically mountain gorilla viewing, is the third highest source of hard currency after tea 

 and coffee, respectively. Gorilla viewing earns $126 per visitor per day in hard currency 

 for Rwanda. The Gorillas are so valuable that during the chaos of the last two years in 

 Rwanda, mountain gorillas and their ecosystems were protected because of their ability to 

 capture hard currency through tourism. 



