TANZANIA, Oct. 11 -- IN September 1961, on the eve of Tanganyikas independence, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere offered his people and the world a declaration that would come to define the nations relationship with nature.

Standing in Arusha, he issued words that continue to echo across savannas, forests and mountains six decades later:

“The survival of our wildlife is a matter of grave concern to all of us in Africa. These wild creatures amid the wild places they inhabit are not only important as a source of wonder and inspiration, but are an integral part of our natural resources and our future livelihood and well-being.

“In accepting the trusteeship of our wildlife, we solemnly declare that we will do everything in our power to m...