Madagascar, one of the planet's most important biodiversity hotspots, is hosting a major Conservation International symposium that aims to help African nations prosper by protecting their natural habitats. "Defying Nature's End: The African Context" brings together more than 450 international representatives from governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and local African communities.

Speakers will include Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana; Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the U.N. Millennium Project; and environmental leaders from around the world. Participants will discuss ways that sustainable management of ecosystems can help reduce poverty and hunger in many African countries.

The symposium findings will be compiled into a set of recommendations called the "Madagascar Declaration." This will outline a strategy for African nations to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of reducing poverty, disease, and environmental destruction by 2015. If African countries succeed in creating economic growth and sustainable development using this conservation-based approach, it's hoped that other nations will follow their example.

For more information, visit the 2006 Global Symposium Web site.