10. The Initial Challenge Many endangered species exist outside Governmentally protected areas on private wilderness much of which was historically “uninhabited” They are increasingly competing with growing rural populations for habitat and resources Those people must believe the wildlife is an asset to them or they will destroy it in their rush for development Hand outs, legislation, enforcement, all have failed to create an equitable and sustainable solution
31. Where this is Heading Rural communities with no natural resources who are disenfranchised, increasingly and desperately impoverished become hot spots for disease and conflict
32. The Needed Solutions Rural communities need political and institutional support to enable them to protect their own environment from the Cities Biodiversity and environmental protection must become integral to the sustainable development dialogue AND the AID dialogue Cities must be supported in finding sustainable solutions to meeting the needs of their citizenry; Clean water Affordable Food Safe housing and sanitation Fuel for heat and cooking
