"What will it take?"

The destruction of the tropical rain forests and reefs (and other eco-systems) is a huge problem.
Many things need to be done to turn this mess around. Since only a mammoth solution will
work, we put together "The Elephant's Solution" to sum up what it will take to protect nature.

Environmental Education. Teaching all people, from New York City to the villages of the
Amazon, to care about wildlife and wild places is the key to the preservation of the world.

Laws Protecting Wildlife. Enforcing legislation saves habitats and stops the illegal poaching
and trade in wildlife.

Ecosystem and species level research. Exploring entire eco-systems helps scientists understand
what needs to be done to protect biodiversity.

Population planning. In 1830 the world's human population was one billion-today it's nearly 6
billion.  Planning for the future means planning now!

Habitat protection. Protecting as much of the Earth's remaining wild places as possible is the
key to protecting nature's astounding biodiversity. Today less than 5 percent of the Earth's land
areas are in national parks and protected areas.

Alternative income for local people.  Developing sustainable, community-based programs to
provide alternative income for local people reduces pressures on natural areas. This is true in
Yellowstone National Park as well as in the rain forests of the tropics.

Native species, not introduced ones. Prevent the introduction of non-native species of plants
and animals, and take steps to remove introduced ones.

Technical training in conservation. Providing technical training for local people ensures the
protection of national parks and reserves. 

Sustainable use of wild places and species. Develop ways to create a balance between people
and wildlife.

p. 55-56, Rain Forests & Reefs, A Kid's-eye View of the Tropics  , Written by Caitlin Maynard
and Thane Maynard, photographs by Stan Rullman. Copyright 1996, Zoological Society of
Cincinnati, Inc