Like the 2003 Fifth World Parks Congressin Durban, South Africa, this publication is structuredaround themes and issues on the cutting edge of research,policy, and practice in the field of protected areas. Ithighlights contributions by the Global Environment Facility(GEF) and presents its perspectives for the future. Thispublication comprises of the following topics : Tribute toAfrica; A Historic Role for Protected Areas; Protected Areasand The GEF; Links to Land and Sea; Protected Areas In theMainstream; New Ways of Working Together; Developing theCapacity to Manage; Maintaining Protecting Areas Now and Inthe Future; Building A Secure Financial Future; ConstructingComprehensive Protected Area Systems; Looking Forward: LetEarth Last.