During the Bukavu Conference on flora and fauna conservation (26-31 October 1953), a French delegation submitted a recommendation, which was unanimous- ly adopted, calling for an overall policy for nature protection in Africa. The 1933 Lon- don Convention, which only addressed the “conservation of fauna and flora in their natural state”, no longer seems ade- quate: the conservation of a few animal or plant species and the creation of national parks and nature reserves only address particular areas of nature conservation, which need to be extended to protect the whole environment in which African peo- ple live. This includes spontaneous vege- tation, which protects water and soils and forms not only forests but also indetermi- nate “bush”. A specific convention for Af- rica is justified because nature in Africa is different and more seriously endangered than elsewhere. It is in danger because of the extreme climate, but also from bush fires and slash-and-burn agriculture that cannot sustain the undernourished popu- lation. Savannah encroachment, soil ero- sion and impoverishment and desertifica- tion are gaining ground. A common policy for all African territories has become es- sential to ensure their protection, and also to fight epidemics. Africa’s nature forms a whole that has no boundaries, but natural regions that interact climati- cally. Over and above a Charter for nature protection in Africa, the issue is that of protecting Africa’s populations, but with- out subjecting them to scientific planning that disregards their customary practices.Abstract adapted by the editorial team. ; En la Conferencia sobre la Conservación de la Fauna y Flora de Bukavu (26-31 de octubre de 1953), una delegación france- sa presentó una recomendación, adopta- da por unanimidad, a favor de una política general de protección de la naturaleza en África. El Convenio de Londres de 1933, reservado a la “conservación de la fauna y flora en su estado natural”, se muestra insuficiente. En efecto, la conservación de ciertas especies ...