According to a statement from the provincial government of Namibe, to which VerAngola had access, the memorandum was signed by the vice-governor of Namibe, Abel Kapitango, and by Adilma Andrade, head of Ango Deserto, in a ceremony witnessed by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Augusto Kalikemala.
The agreement aims to "develop and promote camel-based tourism, explore camel derivatives, attract international visitors and integrate the local population into the tourism value chain, thus improving the economic and cultural landscape of the region," the note reads.
Basically, according to the provincial government, the document was initialed for the "management of the 'Caraculo do Camelo' Project, aimed at providing a unique and immersive tourist experience centered on camels, highlighting their cultural and economic significance", as well as for "developing tourist infrastructure, including the construction of traditional tented accommodations for visitors".
The document also foresees "implementing the sustainable marketing of camel-derived products, such as camel milk and meat, in the national and international markets; organising camel-related tourist activities, including guided tours and cultural experiences, positioning Namibe as a reference destination for eco-tourism and heritage tourism and actively involving the community in the project, integrating its traditional products and cultural heritage into the tourist experience".
As part of the signing of the document, Abel Kapitango highlighted the "importance of the agreement and the experience of the investing company Ango Deserto in the field of tourism, and currently operates in this area successfully in the provinces of Luanda, Malanje, Bengo and Namibia".
In turn, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Augusto Kalikemala, highlighted the "importance of raising camels in the southern region due to its climatic characteristics".
According to the Secretary of State, this is an innovative project, and its success will be an example for countries in the region, believing there is potential for attracting tourists. Quoted by Angop, he considered the project a driver of progress in the municipality of Bibala and also in the province.
In turn, the manager of Ango Deserto informed that the entity is seeking partnerships with investment agencies to increase the visibility of the initiative, aiming at the consolidation of this province as a tourist hub.
In Caraculo, a camel breeding project from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is being implemented. According to a note from the provincial government, the camels that arrived in Angola last year have already given birth, with the number of camels having grown to 130.
"The number of camels that arrived in the country last year, as a gift from the UAE to the Angolan State, increased from 101 to 130, with 29 of them being born in Caraculo, Namibe, Angola," the note reads.
