Endangered species are competing with growing rural human populations for habitat and resources on private lands not protected by the government. Previous attempts to address this such as handouts, legislation, and enforcement have failed to create an equitable solution. African cities are expanding rapidly due to population growth and rural migration, but many cannot provide basic needs. This has led to overexploitation of natural resources for hundreds of miles around cities, negatively impacting rural communities and endangered species. If not addressed, rural areas without resources will become impoverished and potential hotspots for disease and conflict. Long-term solutions require political support for rural communities to protect environments and integrating biodiversity protection into development and aid discussions. Cities must also find sustainable ways to meet

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

15. Hand made with pride...by me Norah Matunda

16. Hand made with pride...by me Liz Chepkemboi

17. Hand made with pride...by me Denaice Akesho

25. The Greater Challenge African Cities are expanding; internal growth Migration from impoverished rural communities Most of those cities are not able to provide the most basic needs for their citizens; Clean water Affordable Food Safe housing and sanitation Fuel for heat and cooking These gaps have lead to unsustainable plundering of the natural environment for hundreds of miles around the cities Rural communities AND endangered species are now victims of the devastation

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