Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

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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.

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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