Well, you can look at other areas of Africa and see what they’re doing. In many places tourism has become a profitable business. By protecting the land and animals, people are able to survive. In Kenya, for instance, 37 percent of the country’s income is derived from tourism. Uganda and Rwanda have programs to help people see mountain gorillas. And in Tanzania, there are tours so people see the beauty of the rainforest – and chimps!

In many parts of Africa there also has to be more attention on protecting national parks and reserves. Protecting these areas simply isn’t a priority for many nations. Until it becomes a priority, hunting will continue in the parks.

Of course, the bigger problem is develop-ing an appreciation of conservation. But as we witness global warming, continued deforestation and the extinction of plants and animals – many of whom may carry the keys to helping us prevent or cure disease – we will continue to see species threatened.