According to a press release from the vice-presidency, on Tuesday, around 50,000 mangroves were planted in the community of Kilometer 26, commune of Ramiro, having thus achieved the goal of planting one million mangroves.
The challenge to plant one million mangroves by December this year was launched to society by the Vice President of the Republic, Bornito de Sousa, during the first 'Workshop on Wetlands of International Interest', on the occasion of National Environment Day, held last February.
The same appeal was launched to society during the Conference on Strengthening Political Commitments for the Improvement and Conservation of Mangroves in Africa, an initiative co-organized by the African Union and the Government, within the framework of the celebration of African Environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day .
At the time, Bornito de Sousa argued that it was necessary to take care of the few remaining mangroves. "That's where, by human action, direct or indirect, they no longer exist: Let's restore the mangroves!", referred the vice president, in February of this year.
According to the statement, for months several campaigns were carried out in Luanda, Bengo, Benguela, Cabinda and Zaire, involving public and private entities, volunteers, national organizations, with emphasis on the Otchiva Organization, which leads the process of mobilization of civil society and partners.
"The position of the Angolan authorities regarding climate issues, in particular mangrove ecosystems, has served as an example and inspiration for other African leaders and for the whole world, as the African Union referred", underlines the statement.
In view of this process, President João Lourenço was recently distinguished with an award "for his dedication to issues of environmental protection, in Washington, United States of America, during the annual Gala of the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF)".
"On 23 October last, President João Lourenço, accompanied by the first lady, Ana Dias Lourenço, participated in a mangrove planting campaign, on the same day he witnessed the signing of the agreement between Sonangol and the Otchiva Organization for the project "Sonangol Carbono Azul", which has promoted the restoration of mangroves with the involvement of local communities", stresses the note.
More than 200 volunteers mobilized by Otchiva were on Tuesday in the field involved in planting around 50,000 mangroves.
