Rio Longa Beach was filled with Government figures to show that the Executive is attentive and supports initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity. Not only the Minister of the Environment, Ana Paula de Carvalho, but also the Minister of State for the Social Area, Maria Bragança and the Minister of Education, Luísa Maria Grilo, witnessed the release of 250 baby sea turtles into the sea. The Provincial Governor of Cuanza Sul, Narciso Benedito, was also present to support the initiative.
This was, once again, signed by the Kitabanga Project, which since 2003 has had the conservation of sea turtles as its motto. This project is implemented by the Department of Biology of the Faculty of Sciences of the Agostinho Neto University, and has the participation of professors and university students, as well as the involvement of members of the local communities where they have been carrying out their research, conservation and environmental education activities. .
The Minister of State emphasized, on the occasion, that the government will continue to support initiatives such as the project, which aim to preserve biodiversity and valued the efforts that communities have made to preserve nature, especially in the case of sea turtles.
However, despite efforts, the number of sea turtles has decreased considerably. Maria Bragança pointed out as the main cause of death of this species the disposal of waste in inappropriate places, as well as fishing in areas that are not permitted.
