This is an unusual and important pioneering study of the creation and implementation of development planning policies in the face of the overall decline in quality of environment in West Africa. Enormous problems are created with conversion of the forest lands and savannahs due to the haphazard development process of agriculture and urbanization as well as inadequate planning and conservation policies.

The conversion of forest and savannah to agriculture, urbanization and industrial development poses enormous problems to the countries of the region. This study focuses on the Southeastern region of Nigeria which contains the majority of the remaining rainforest in the country. Because of the lack of a systematic approach, inadequate planning and conservation policies, it makes it difficult to tackle the growing environmental problems.

Professor James discusses the importance of the conservation of biodiversity in this Southeastern region and offers some intriguing environmental, ecological and political solutions.