issues come together is in the continent of Africa. For this reason, 

 we are holding this hearing today. The African continent harbors 

 some of the last remaining areas of tropical forests. Specifically, it 

 contains 19 percent of the world's tropical moist forests with 10 

 percent in Zaire and 9 percent in the rest of Africa. Studies show 

 that the total area covered in forests continent-wide has been re- 

 duced by 23 percent between 1950 and 1983, and that West Africa 

 has lost 60 percent of its original rain forests. 



The causes vary according to the region, with some being lost to 

 clearing for agricultural use, and others for fuel wood, while yet 

 others to land clearing. 



Regardless of how you look at it, this could have grave con- 

 sequences — these being soil erosion, the destruction of thousands of 

 plant and animal species, and atmospheric changes. 



First, let me touch upon the issue of soil erosion. Without the 

 protection afforded by vegetation, soils are lefl vulnerable to ex- 

 treme temperatures, alternating droughts, and torrential rains. 

 The soil becomes depleted of its nutrients, hardens, and is no 

 longer agriculturally productive. For the African continent, this 

 could destroy its ability to feed and to employ its growing popu- 

 lation. 



The destruction of biological diversity is another problem area. 

 Not only do some African countries possess concentrations of spe- 

 cies that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, but their 

 habitats provide 25 to 75 percent of the protein consumed on the 

 continent. 



Furthermore, 90 percent of the energy generated throughout the 

 region is derived from the tropical moist forests. Even more alarm- 

 ing is the fact that the dangers posed by deforestation, soil erosion, 

 and the destruction of biodiversity may be magnified even further 

 in the African continent. 



In some ways, ozone depletion may affect the coimtries in Africa 

 similarly to tne rest of tne world. However, the effects of global 

 warming could potentially combine with a number of other environ- 

 mental problems present in Africa, which could totally devastate 

 the region. 



And let us not forget some emerging hazards, such as toxic 

 wastes, which will soon be taking their toll on Africa's environment 

 as they have on the United States and in other countries. 



In light of this reality, why is the protection of the environment 

 such a difficult task, and what are the dynamics at play which 

 hamper the implementation of conservation programs in the Afri- 

 can continent? 



Analysts say that the high population growth, poverty, poor gov- 

 ernment policies, civil wars, and conflicting business interests with 

 environmental concerns are obstacles not easily overcome. 



They also point out that the majority of African governments 

 lack funds and are faced with an overwhelming foreign debt. These 

 governments are then asked to choose between development and 

 environmental concerns. When faced with this decision, many feel 

 that conservation is a luxury that they cannot afford. 



As a result, many believe that Africa's ecological future is grim. 

 Others, however, have a more optimistic outlook on these environ- 

 mental threats. They report that African countries have realized 



