The fortress model of conservation has demonstrably failed, and we need a human-centered and indigenously informed model.

the critical role of having, not just a seat at the table, but a driving part of how things are designed and led.

Because focusing on human development also means bringing those on board as well.

I think most importantly you make a compelling case for the urgent national security-based need to invest more robustly in our diplomacy and development.

Conservation can also prevent illegal exploitation of nature which funds conflict and threatens security.

The proposed bipartisan bill, introduced by Senator Coons and Senator Graham, offers all three.

The law that Senator Flake and I worked on in 2016, the End Wildlife Trafficking Act, authorized the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking.

Let me ask one brief follow-up question, then I am going to defer to my Ranking Member.

I couldn't agree with you more. That the core challenges today, the vast majority of the population looks at a chicken, and says: I see value, I can sell eggs, I can eat the chicken, I can sell the chicken.

Thank you for your persistent engagement on critical issues that matter to all of us.

I think it is essential that, in the long run, conservation, the protection of biodiversity, wildlife, be seen as a central part of competent development strategies, by nations all over the world, if that ultimately, not in competition…

The consequences of that I think would be grave.