208 Poverty and Hunger
As the distinguished British ecologist Norman Myers pointed out, ‘It is in the
common interest of both agriculture and the natural world that a mutually sup-
portive relationship be developed between them. Production of food need not
destroy the wild ecosystems of the world and their wealth of biological diversity.
And preservation of wild ecosystems does not pose a threat to humanity feeding
itself. In fact, just the opposite is true. Sensible use of nature, which includes sub-
stantially increased nature conservation efforts, is essential to feed the planet...
Nature equals food. Without wild places, we cannot hope to have food on our
tables’ (Myers, 1987). And without healthy agriculture, we cannot expect nature
to prosper.
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