[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5113-S5114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. UDALL of New Mexico (for himself and Mr. Brownback):
  S. 3508. A bill to strengthen the capacity of the United States to 
lead the international community in reversing renewable natural 
resource degradation trends around the world that threaten to undermine 
global prosperity and security and eliminate the diversity of life on 
Earth, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. I rise today to introduce the bipartisan 
Global Conservation Act of 2010 with my colleague and fellow advocate 
on international conservation issues, Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas.
  As our world grows increasingly intertwined through commerce, 
communication, and culture, we must also work together to protect the 
earth's natural resources through conservation. This bill acknowledges 
the important role our natural resources play in global economics, 
global health, and global security, and takes steps to strengthen the 
United States' involvement and productivity in conservation on a global 
scale.
  As described in the legislation being introduced today, competing 
needs around the world are taxing natural resources that are vital to 
human survival. For example, 500 million people in developing countries 
depend on fresh water from natural areas that are under threat of 
degradation, and two billion people depend on rapidly diminishing fish 
stocks for a significant source of their daily protein. In contrast, 
wild species provide more than $300 billion in protection and benefits 
to world agriculture, including natural pest control and the 
pollination of two thirds of the crop species that feed the world. 
Forests prevent catastrophic flooding and severe drought, and coral 
reefs and mangroves reduce the impact of large storms on coastal 
populations, saving $9 billion in damages each year and reducing 
outlays for disaster assistance.
  As natural resources continue to be polluted and depleted throughout 
the world, economies are threatened and conflicts begin to emerge. The 
United States National Intelligence Council expects demographic trends 
and natural resource scarcities relating to water, food, arable land, 
and energy sources to lead to instabilities and conflict in the years 
ahead.
  With such threats looming, it is with urgency that we introduce this 
legislation that recognizes the intrinsic link between communities, 
conflict, and natural resources, and which looks to a future of local 
involvement in the preservation of natural resources for the benefit of 
international communities. The bill establishes conservation as a 
fundamental element in economic development, conflict mitigation, and 
adaptation to climate change.

[[Page S5114]]

  To meet the conservation challenges of the 21st century, the Global 
Conservation Act reduces the duplication of Federal programs by 
bringing all U.S. agencies involved in conservation together to 
establish a national strategy for global conservation. Several 
executive branch agencies are engaged in some aspect of international 
conservation, yet their efforts are not coordinated in a manner that 
maximizes the effectiveness of the overall international conservation 
efforts of the United States.
  By establishing an interagency working group, a special coordinator, 
and a presidential advisory committee on global conservation, this bill 
sets up the infrastructure to coordinate the efforts of the various 
federal agencies under a national strategy for international 
conservation. The bill identifies measurable goals, benchmarks, and 
timeframes for long-term action in the area of global conservation.
  As our nation continues to strengthen its participation in the global 
community through conflict mitigation, foreign aid, and economic 
interaction, it is essential that we promote strong international 
conservation initiatives focused on the involvement and support of 
local communities. Such initiatives will only strengthen global 
security, health, and economies. This bill establishes a clear and 
unified direction for our international conservation efforts, and I 
look forward to working with my colleagues to move it through the 
legislative process.
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