The objective of this Handbook is to provide a reference point for biodiversity conservation programmes in Africa. The book is formulated around the main biodiversity conventions of relevance to Africa. This design is based on the recognition that the overwhelming national and international concern to conserve and sustainably utilise biological diversity, has taken expression in well designed, and largely comprehensive treaty law. It is desirable that the African continent, with its wealth of biodiversity that is rapidly declining on account of human activity, should put in place arrangements for conservation incorporating the vital elements of such treaty law.