"Overall, the resources available in most countries are inadequate for the effective conservation and enhancement of protected areas," said a document approved by the 2,500 delegates attending the congress in the eastern port city of Durban.

"By 2006, estimates from countries and parks should be compiled to provide information for the development of a credible global estimate of funding needs."

The congress adopted a "Durban Action Plan" and "Durban Accord" on its closing day, containing outcomes of the 10-day event and mapping objectives for the next 10 years.

The conference last week heard that there was a 2.5-billion-dollar shortfall in funds for protected areas, with most of the shortfall existing in developing countries where the greatest wealth of biodiversity occurs.

If the network of protected areas were to be expanded to include several hundred currently unprotected endangered species, it would cost an additional 23 billion dollars per year in the next decade, including land restitution claims and acquisitions.

The congress recommended that projections of required funding be done by 2006, in order to ensure that sufficient resources are in place by 2010 to support the needs that had been identified.

"Protected areas deserve significant financial support owing to the tremendous benefits they provide," the document stated.

"Innovative thinking and action on private financing of protected areas, as well as increasing support from traditional sources within governments and conservation charities, as well as from the private sector, is urgently needed."

TERRA.WIRE