Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 12 to 17.

Africa is home to some of the world’s most endangered species, including the mountain gorilla, Grevy’s zebra, and Ethiopian wolf. To protect populations from further decline, our on-the-ground safeguards involve training rangers and using sniffer dogs to stop wildlife poachers, wildlife must survive in their natural habitats, (12) ________ we empower local communities through (13) ________ - friendly development and work with international agencies to protect Africa’s natural resources.

Critical to protecting these vital ecosystems are people. Sharing land across the continent, local communities and wildlife often live alongside (14) ________, leading to struggles for space and water. Provided that people and wildlife learn to live together - inside and outside of protected areas - the future for all will thrive.

Whether it is humans poaching wildlife or wildlife attacking people’s livestock, the problem cuts both ways: the needs of people and wildlife are not in harmony. As human populations grow with the development of industry and infrastructure, our programs balance multiple priorities to decline the threats facing endangered species and wildlife habitats.

Anti-poaching initiatives to stop the killing of wildlife within Africa’s protected areas have saved some species (15) ________ further decline. However, to prevent the international trade that has killed populations over the last few decades, we need to combat wildlife trafficking and wildlife crimes. Meanwhile, in demand centres (16) ________ ivory is carved while rhino horn and pangolin scales are wanted as traditional medicine, many consumers are unaware that the products are ineffective and in fact destroying Africa’s ecosystems.

Providing wildlife rangers with anti-poaching equipment and training prevents the killing of wildlife in protected areas and (17) ________ wildlife trade, with additional training in the enforcement of wildlife laws, national agencies ensure these criminals are arrested.

The word "vital" in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to: A. insignificant B. minor C. essential D. optional