More than at any other time, all eyes are on Africa. The continent is at the center of the international agenda, representing both a concentration of global issues and opportunities for development. As African nations confront war, disease, hunger, and poverty, Conservation International (CI) is working directly with government leaders, civil society, private industries, and communities to harness Africa's potential to make conservation economically viable.

Eight of Earth's biodiversity hotspots are in Africa – a hub of rare and unique species. Like all hotspots, Africa's biologically richest regions are subject to myriad threats. However, forward-thinking nations have recognized their biodiversity as a competitive advantage and are investing to protect it. With support from CI, they are implementing conservation strategies that drive economic growth. The benefits are reaching even the remotest of African populations.

Defying Nature's End: The Africa Context
CI held an international symposium to examine how conserving Africa's biodiversity can help alleviate poverty, fight disease, and improve the quality of life for people. The world's leading experts on these topics convened in Antananarivo, Madagascar, June 20-24, 2006.

> "Madagascar Declaration" focuses policies on value of nature.
> Learn more about the symposium.
> Read the official symposium blog.
> Island sanctuary re-opens in post-conflict Sierra Leone.
> Gorilla reserve protects primates, saves lives in the DRC.
> Forget diamonds. Biodiversity is forever in South Africa.
> CI campaign is a model to halt the bushmeat trade.
> Mozambique promotes ecotourism, economy on Ibo Island.
> Communities in Kenya, Tanzania find opportunity in bugs.
> UN Secretary-General sends greetings to symposium participants.

GOODIES & DOWNLOADS

Madagascar Marine RAP Screen Saver
For Windows PC (.zip – 2.7mb)
For Mac OS X (.sitx – 2.9mb)

Madagascar Screen Saver
For Windows PC (.zip – 2.5mb)
For Mac OS X (.sitx – 2.8mb)

African Wildlife Screen Saver
For Windows PC (.zip – 2.7mb)
For Mac OS X (.sitx – 2.9mb)

>> Play the Lemur Match card game

>> Send an Africa eCard