Conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems hold the key to mankind’s continued existence on earth. But ecosystem conservation is not a zero-sum policy option. There exist inherent trade-offs and synergies between conservation, sustainable management and economic benefits derivable from the continent’s abundant environmental resources, including terrestrial and freshwater resources. Conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems should yield economic, socio-cultural, scientific, recreational and other benefits to national and local governments, as well as local communities, including indigenous peoples.