It is indeed paradoxical that, whilst we stand on the threshold of a safer world to live in, the prospects for economic survival for developing countries have become even bleaker. For the majority of People in the developing world, particularly in Africa, income levels have fallen to less than what they were in the 1970s. Of greater concern still is the fact than investments have fallen to levels that compromise the prospects for future growth. The crisis they face is comPOunded by the heavy burden of debt servicing, by significantly reduced exoort earnings and bv a fast qrowing papulation. Caught in this vicious circle, the onlv wav out for these countries seems to be to boost their exoort earnings, leading to overexploitation of their already scarce natural resources and untold damage to the environment. How can one talk of growth, of sustainable development under those circumstances when the primary concern for the majority of these countries is merely basic survival? Unless a major effort is nade to understand these issues, to mobilize the resources needed to deal with them, the problem mav just Qrow out of hand. BHS/td A/S-18/PV. 8 28 {Mrs. de St. Jor re, Seychelles) Looking at the prospects for the future, one is led to the sad conclusion that the economies of the vast majority of countries in the third world are doomed to failure. Policies were often undoubtedly inappropriate, but this is not the onlY cause of the problem. It so happens that by a oorrbination of factors, the concentration of wealth lies in the North, that the South has alwavs been the source of raw rraterials and cheap labour for the North. At the same time, it has always provided a ready market for finished or semi-finished products originating 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic struggles of developing countries, particularly in Africa, and how their prospects for growth and survival are being hindered by various factors such as debt servicing, reduced export earnings, and a growing population. It also touches on the issue of natural resource exploitation and its impact on the environment. The text does not specifically mention agriculture, forestry, or fishing, and does not discuss industry, transport, or communication in detail. The focus is more on the economic and environmental aspects of development.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment