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Helping the world by preserving BiodiversityThe challenge of biodiversity conservation in Central Africa From 19 to 21 September 2006, a high-level conference on Biodiversity conservation will take place in Paris. On this occasion, we release a background video report on the challenges of preserving ecosystems in Central Africa.
ArticleFrom 19 to 21 September, a conference organised by the IUCN- World Conservation Union in partnership with the EU, will take place. The conference will aim to reinforce the initiatives already undertaken by the EU, by obtaining political commitment to make biodiversity a priority for development cooperation policies. It will also make clear and specific recommendations as to how the issue of biodiversity should be addressed. To get to know and protect the ecosystems in danger is an absolute priority today. The developed countries must become aware of the extent of the danger and invest in conservation, or risk seeing incalculable wealth disappear forever. We often forget that the ecosystems are necessary to safeguard life on earth. The time has come for action: in the long term, the survival of humanity itself depends upon it. DocumentationBIODIVERSITY IN EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION ContactsIsabelle Brusselmans Description of contentThe report is filmed in Central Africa (Gabon and Democratic Republic of Congo), where the issues of poverty and war seriously hinder the quest to save the ecosystem. However, thanks to the commitment of local organisations and funding from the EU, a distinct improvement in biodiversity conservation can be seen. But how are these initiatives maintained in times of war? The report highlights the conviction of local stakeholders and the EU to continue these efforts, regardless of political instability. By supporting the ICCN (Congolese Institute for Nature Protection), the EU has helped local authorities combat the threat of poaching, one of the most serious threats to these protected natural habitats. But the ICCN rangers also take on the more social and rather delicate task of raising awareness amongst the local people. It is not easy to make the villagers- who live in difficult circumstances around the parks- understand that they must stop cutting wood and killing animals. “One can’t think of making a partition wall between the people who live around this nature and the resources that the nature can provide them” says Carlo de Filippi, Head of EC Delegation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the wake of overcoming war, poverty and hunger, why should saving ecosystems be a priority for locals? In fact, by increasing and maintaining wildlife and faun, sources of food and quality of life is improved. What is more, by creating environmental havens, tourism can be developed in these areas, such as gorilla tracking. With positive consequences for the local economy. Interviews:
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