The Mentor - The Destruction of Discordia¹s Environment and a Potential Industry

In recent weeks, Discordia has seen its government pull together
a unified front largely in its attempt to finalize a formal oil contract,
which will bring a much needed source of capital infusion for the poor
country. The country has seen increased violence as rebel factions have
gained arms and have been implicated in several violent outbursts on the
ground.

Both the outbreak of a civil war and the potential negative
environmental implications of oil production could serve to destroy the
Discordia¹s most precious economic resource, its in environment. In many
African countries, eco-tourism can provide a large portion of GDP. In a
country like Gabon for example, which is similar to Discordia in that it has
large oil reserves and has been plagued by civil war, tourism makes up 37%
of GDP. Environmental conservation is the key to a thriving eco-tourism
industry.

While oil production provides a large source of economic growth through oil
revenue and taxes, it is capital intensive and does not address the
significant level of employment that ravages the country. Tourism on the
other hand provides the makings of a major service industry. The development
of a tourism industry would provide needed economic stimulus and foster
social stability. make contracts more viable.

However if certain companies that make no formal commitments to protecting
environmental standards were to get the deal such as Nosferatu, then
Discordia may be doomed to be reliant on a single industry to support its
economy. With a lack of job production by the oil company, it would be in a
in a constant state of widespread unemployment.

Shared Heritage has formally announced that it is hopeful in establishing a
new ³flagship² developent program in Discrodia. Although many are facing
tough economic times in light of the financial crisis, Shared Heritage has
increased funds from its private donors and US and UK governments. Shared
Heritage has voiced its concerns about Nosferatu¹s lack of ethical policies
which could undermine the huge potential for ecotourism revenue that could
be the only hope for the country.