Preserving Naturefor Future

Demands for strongerprotection for wildlife in Britainsometimes hide the fact that similar needs are felt in the rest ofEurope.Studies by the Council of Europe,of which 21

countries aremembers,have shown that 45 percent of reptile（爬行类的）species and 24 percent of butterflies are in dangerof dying out.

European concern forwildlife was outlined by Dr.Peter Baum,an expert in the environment and naturalresources division of the council,when he spoke at a conference

arranged by theadministrators of a British national park.The park is one of the few areas in Europe to hold the council’s diploma for nature reservesof the highest quality,and

Dr.Peter Baum hadcome to present it to the park once again.He was afraid that public opinion wasturning against national parks,and that those set up in the 1960s and 1970s

could not be set uptoday.But Dr.Baum clearly remained a strong supporter of the view that naturalenvironment needed to be allowed to survive in peace in their own right.

"No area couldbe expected to survive both as a true nature reserve and as a tourist attraction,"hewent on.The short-sighted（眼光短浅的）view that reserves had to serve

immediate humandemands for outdoor recreation should be replaced by full acceptance of theirimportance as places to preserve nature for the future.

"We forget thatthey are the guarantee of life systems,on which any built-up area ultimatelydepends," Dr.Baum went on," we could manage without most industrial

products,but wecould not manage without nature.However,our natural environment areas,which arethe original parts of our countryside,have shrunk to become mere（纯粹

的）islands in aspoiled and highly polluted land mass."Why did Dr.Baumcome to a British national park?

A.Because he neededto present it with a council's diploma.

B.Because he wasconcerned about its management.

C.Because it was theonly national park of its kind in Europe.

D.Because it was theonly park which had ever received a diploma from the Council.