Luanda - Angola is engaged in the restructuring of national parks, to improve their management and offer greater protection of biodiversity, the Minister of the Environment, Ana Paula de Carvalho, said on Thursday in Luanda.
Speaking at the pre-launching ceremony of the International Conference on Biodiversity and Conservation Areas (CIBAC), the Minister said that Angola has 14 conservation areas, all composed of environmental rangers.
According to the Ana Paula de Carvalho, the government's commitment has allowed greater security of the animal repopulation program on Angolan soil.
She highlighted the need for the physical presence of rangers in the parks as a fundamental initiative to reduce poaching and fires that endanger the lives of animals.
In her speech, the minister said that Angola has a rich biodiversity, giving the province of Cuando Cubango as an example.
'At that time, we have more than 10,000 elephants,' the official explained.
Regarding the International Conference on Biodiversity and Conservation Areas, taking place in Luanda, from 30 to 31 January 2025, as part of the National Environment Day, the Minister emphasized that it will serve to exchange experiences with other countries.
The conference will bring together representatives of Portuguese-speaking African Countries (PALOP) and those countries that border Angola.
In turn, the deputy director-general for the technical area of the National Institute of Biodiversity and Conservation Areas, Marta Zumbo, emphasized that the international conference will provide debates on issues related to the problem of biodiversity, to find better management models in the conservation area.
'We will also pay attention to the SADC area, taking into account that we share the same ecosystem, so that together we can find solutions for our biodiversity,' he said.
She stressed that currently the challenges facing the country are linked to poaching, deforestation and climate change.
It highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the conservation of biodiversity and conservation areas, with a focus on promoting constructive dialogue between scientists, environmentalists, policy makers and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
The director stressed the importance of joining efforts to ensure a sustainable future and preserve Angola's rich biodiversity.
The conference will be attended by experts from Africa, Europe, America and Asia.
The pre-launching ceremony was attended by national and international experts.
AMC/OHA/DOJ
