The governor highlighted that it is up to the biologist to denounce the presence of genetically modified organisms, present data on the need for reforestation, the decline in biodiversity, the disappearance of ecosystems critical to human survival, the composition of fauna, flora and the availability of biomass that allows the exploitation of the bio-resource.
At the forum, which took place this Thursday under the motto "The role of the biologist in the sustainable development of the country", Esperança da Costa reaffirmed that biologists must take an active role, as their knowledge of the complex interactions between the abiotic and biotic worlds allows them to act as agents of change, connecting science to practices that ensure the balance between human needs and sustainability.
The Vice-President appealed to the Angolan Order of Biologists for the continuous training of staff through specialist colleges, to improve statistics on knowledge of biological diversity, quality of ecosystems, among others.
Esperança da Costa highlighted that, within the framework of the Presidency of the African Union, Angola is committed to developing a diversified and prosperous economy, based on the sectors of Agriculture, Manufacturing Industry, and the management of water resources, with a focus on the environment, in a resilient and sustainable ecosystem.
For the governor, the blue economy - with the capacity to enhance the seas and oceans - combined with the green economy, could play a leading role in contributing to the competitiveness of countries.
The event, which brought together national and foreign biologists (Portugal, Mozambique and Brazil), took place in a round table format, divided into four panels: "Strategy of the Order of Biologists of Angola"; "Innovative Techniques for Integrating Complex Biological Data"; "Education and Teaching of Biology: Challenges and Perspectives", and "Human Biology and Health".
For the president of the Order of Biologists of Angola (OBA), Augusta Martins, the forum represents a significant milestone for the class, a space for reflection, sharing knowledge and strengthening the mission, as defenders and promoters of the diversity of life, of a healthy and welcoming environment for all and of sustainable management of the country's natural resources.
The head of OBA also stressed that the event aimed to highlight the importance of biology for the sustainable development of Angola in a world where environmental and climate changes impose increasingly complex challenges. He noted that biologists play a crucial role in finding innovative solutions for the conservation of ecosystems, the responsible use of natural resources and the promotion of public and environmental health.
Augusta Martins assured that the OBA will work to ensure that representatives of the class become involved in the country's development efforts and in actions so that the profession is valued and recognized as a fundamental pillar for social and economic progress.
In turn, Portuguese professor José Guerreiro, who addressed the theme "The role of Science and Biology in the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainability", considered that the exchange between Angola and Portugal is beneficial, having highlighted the existing relationship in the area of meteorology and fisheries research.
During the forum, figures who stood out in the field of biology in Angola were honored, including the vice-president, Esperança da Costa, and professor Lívia Alves.
The forum marked the first anniversary of the creation of the Order of Biologists of Angola and was attended by members of the Executive and several personalities linked to academia.
