This thread has too much argument for the sake of arguing. People are trying to debate whether or not a nature vs. development dichotomy exists in the abstract. Of course it doesn't, but why don't we talk about the particulars of this situation instead of turning the comment section into a high school debate class? The article clearly states that it will be very difficult to balance conservation of primate habitats with expansion of palm oil harvesting. Given that information, and the fact that the continent is desparately in need of economic development, I think the environmental losses are justifiable if they lead to better livelihoods for Africans.