Mandela, Queen Noor launch conservation conference

Former South African President Nelson Mandela and Jordan's Queen Noor launched a gathering of more than 2500 top international conservationists and environmental policy makers at the World Parks Congress yesterday.

The 10-day conference in Durban, South Africa, is to focus on preservation of the world's protected areas.

South Africa's Environment Minister Valli Moosa spoke of the need for wealthier nations to take the lead. "[It is] not sensible to assume the least-developed countries will find the resources to fund fragile ecosystems," Moosa said.

Mandela urged the younger generation to take an active role in conservation. "Without the youth, the future is not secure," he said.