Additionally, the potential profits involved with the exploitation of the nation's resources, make for tempting business to acquire through corrupt activities and exploitation. This enormous poverty gap is "a testament to the government's corruption, mismanagement and callousness toward its own people," (Mouawad 2009).

Yet, the environment can be used as an element to quell the conflict as well by providing a source to create unity within the region. The environment can be a potential source of natural unity. According to research, "Equatorial Guinea has shown its desire to fight against ecological destruction by adhering to international conventions on the protection of the environment," (Equatorial Guinea 2002). Thus, conservation can serve as a pathway...

(2009). "Guinea -- Environment." Encyclopedia of Nations. Retrieved December 16, 2009 from http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Guinea-ENVIRONMENT.html
Equatorial Guinea. (2002). "Forest Exploitation." Ministry of Fishing and Environment. Retrieved December 16, 200 from http://www.ceiba-guinea-ecuatorial.org/guineeangl/minforets1.htm

Mouawad, Jad. (2009). Oil corruption in Equatorial Guinea. New York Times. Retrieved December 16, 2009 from http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/09/oil-corruption-in-equatorial-guinea/