understand, respect and cooperate with the self-regulatory dynamics of Earth, will we and future generations be capable of maintaining and restoring its processes which support all life.

The 4^th World Wilderness Congress recognizes, in accord with recent findings of the world commission on environment and development, that:

-          There is a direct connection between healthy natural ecological systems and the economic and political stability  of all nations;

-          The productivity of earth’s natural resource base is rapidly deteriorating, as evidenced by desertification, deforestation, accumulation of toxic wastes, polluted drinking water and oceans, diminution of wilderness habitat and loss of genetic diversity. It is clear that, under the demands of increasing human population, the overall situation will continue to deteriorate;

-          While qualitative similarities and differences exist in the environmental problems of the nations of the world, there is an uneven capability among nations to redress this situation;

-          Financial and development institutions (public and private), non-governmental organizations and all citizens have a significant role to play in defending and restoring the productivity of natural systems and environmental quality, working with governments to provide basic human needs for expanding populations.

A NEW INITIATIVE IS NEEDED IN WORLDWIDE CONSERVATION:

1.       To halt the destruction of the earth’s remaining wildlands and its natural resource base, and to assist ecological processes in being restored to healthy balance;

2.       TO ensure that development is sustainable by incorporating long-term natural resource concerns into economic development programs of all countries.

3.       TO promote conservation education activities as well as cooperative exchange of knowledge, technology and financial assistance to meet global conservation challenges.

WE THEREFORE RECOMMEND THAT:

1.       The natural environment be recognized as a source of knowledge, well-being and inspiration essential to the highest achievements of mankind.

2.       Non-governmental organizations and the private sector should join forces with governments in a major effort to stimulate educational, political and technical actions for sustainable development and an enhanced environmental ethic. These coalitions would support mutual actions which respond to the recommendations of the World Commission on Environment and Development, under such established programs as the World Conservation Strategy, the World Charter for Nature and others.

3.       To strengthen the efforts of existing international institutions working in those countries whose natural resource base is in the greatest decline, a World Conservation Corps or similar service should be established which would enhance the international sharing of conservation information, technology and experience.

4.       Because new sources of funding must be mobilized to augment the expansion of conservation activities, a new International Conservation Banking Program should be created to integrate international aid for environmental management into coherent, common programs for recipient countries based on objective assessments of each country’s resources and needs.

Denver, Colorado, USA
September 1987