VIDEO: THE EDEN ILLUSION: The Fate of Africa’s Wildlife in a post-COVID-19 World
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on human health, social welfare, and the economies of nations across the globe. Blanket travel restrictions, enforced to contain the virus, ensured the instant collapse of tourism worldwide. Several African nations were particularly hard hit because of tourism’s high proportion of the GDP in those countries. The continent’s spectacular and abundant wildlife is its biggest tourist drawcard.
The Covid-19 fallout has threatened this natural resource as never before, especially outside of officially protected areas. The pandemic has also exposed the differences between the two substantive but opposing wildlife conservation doctrines. The first principle is preservationist, based on the rights of animals. The belief is that wildlife should have no economic value, should not be utilized in any way, for any reason, and simply be left alone to self-regulate. The second approach is founded on sustainable use. This principle promotes the practical use of natural resources for two primary purposes; the conservation of wildlife and habitat and the betterment of the lives of the people who live within that environment. This documentary takes a hard look at the challenges faced and possible solution
“THE EDEN ILLUSION: The Fate of Africa’s Wildlife in a post-COVID-19 World” is a video production of The Conservation Imperative.