37 



entirely on forest products. This arrangement allows the BaAka people to benefit from 

 concessions for logging, trophy hunting, and ecotourism in the area. Through a government 

 decree, 40% of revenues collected from these activities go to the communities for development 

 activities. 



By their nature, himians express little desire for anything that is not instrumental to 

 human development. This is why conservation and development caimot be separated. To some 

 extent, classic conservation has driven some wildlife to near extinction and has deprived 

 numerous other natural resources in Africa. In use of natural resources, however, we have 

 learned that environmental disruption is an avoidable consequence. World Wildlife Fund, 

 together with African communities all over the continent seek to minimize disruption to the 

 functioning of ecological systems. 



Conclusion 



It is not too late to save Africa's ecological integrity from threats of poverty and the 

 hardships that follow poverty. Africa still has vast areas of territory with little or no human 

 presence. The system of parks and protected areas in many countries, while not complete, is 

 well developed. Although the levels of public awareness and understanding of the consequences 

 of environmental degradation are low, they are improving and many countries have made 

 significant steps toward passing laws that protect the environment. 



With the advent of democratic governments in many parts of the continent, many 

 countries are addressing their economic problems and there are systems of checks and balances 

 emerging. While these are important elements, Africa will continue to seek assistance from the 

 developed world. The United States has as important role in this respect as a leader in both 

 development assistance and protection of the world environment. 



In terms of wildlife, it is worth noting that several wildlife species which were 

 endangered a few years ago, including the leopard, Nile crocodile and even the mountain gorilla, 

 appear to be making a strong comeback due to conservation efforts on their behalf and 

 indigenous grassroots conservation initiatives. The recovery of these species demonstrate the fact 

 that Africa's ecological future 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 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 African parmers, or not. 



Finally, I invite you. Madam Chairman, 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 local people, their countries, the African ecology, and the global community. 



