Africa Urged to Conserve Natural Resources
9/6/99
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Title: Africa Urged to Conserve Natural Resource
Source: Xinhua
Status: Copyright 1999, contact source for permission to reprint
Date: September 6, 1999
HARARE (Sept. 6) XINHUA - Zimbabwean Mines, Environment and Tourism
Deputy Minister Edward Chindori-Chininga Monday said that African
countries should go out of their way to conserve their natural
resources as they provide numerous products and services.
"It is impossible to imagine life without forests because it would
not exist. In Africa forests provide numerous products and services,"
said Chindori-Chininga when he officially opened an environmental
workshop in Mutare of east Zimbabwe.
He said large varieties of foods were derived from forests while
commercial industry depended on forests for the raw materials energy.
He lamented the high rate of deforestation and degradation of forests
and other woodlands which resulted in loss of environmental values.
He said over the last 10 years there had been alarming trends in
global deforestation leading to a deep forest crisis worldwide.
While the crisis received attention and prompted many initiatives by
governments to arrest the problem, Chininga commended Costa Rica and
Canada for organizing and financing the workshop.
Delegates to the five-day workshop would explore mechanisms of
promoting management, conservation and sustainable development of all
types of forests in view of degradation and deforestation facing the
region.
They would also discuss and come up with a consensus on international
arrangements and mechanisms for a legally binding instrument on all
types of forests.