The concern is shared by the EcoAngola community and the Kissama Foundation, in a communiqué to which the Lusa agency had access this Wednesday, in which they consider "shocking" the government's intention to change the legislation in force.
According to those organizations, an open letter was sent to the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Environment, Jomo Fortunato, in which they express their concern and make an appeal, with suggestions, "which, if applied, could contribute to the protection of Angola's natural heritage, which can directly benefit thousands of people, ensure economic resilience and be a source of national pride.
"We ask you to sign our open letter on the state of Environmental Conservation Areas in Angola and share, so that together we can protect our heritage, on which current and future generations depend," the note says.
In the letter, environmental advocates considered that natural heritage, unlike mineral resources, "which deplete or quickly lose value - as is happening with oil resources in recent years -" is invariably "the source of greatest sustainable wealth and pride of nations.
"Natural heritage has the power to contribute to sustainable development, not only linked to the tourism sector, but also to the sustainable use of natural resources," the charter states, noting that "if well managed, natural heritage can improve the quality of life of current and future generations while safeguarding traditional ways of life, protecting ancestral cultures and contributing to the projection of a positive image of the country internationally.
The two organizations call for the effective protection of the 14 environmental conservation areas defined in Angola to be guaranteed immediately. They also recommend the transparent identification and subsequent signing of partnerships with organizations that have proven experience in managing conservation areas in the region, with the aim of training national cadres so that in the future the country will be self-sufficient at this level.
They also call for the creation of the National Scientific Commission for Biodiversity, foreseen in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2025, to support, advise and monitor the decisions and actions of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Environment.
The Council of Ministers approved this week the draft law to amend Law No. 8/20 of 16 April, Law on Environmental Conservation Areas, to allow oil exploration in these areas not have a negative impact on the ecosystem.
The document proposes amendments to articles 13, 14 and paragraphs a) and e) of article 40 of Law No. 8/20 of 18 April, Law on Environmental Conservation Areas.
"The proposed law to amend Law No. 8/20, of 16 April is a law that will have implications for the exploitation of mineral resources, oil and gas in protected areas," said Jomo Fortunato.
According to the Minister, in relation to natural reserves, given their importance for the preservation of wildlife, flora and fauna and others of special interest, the importance of their preservation is further reiterated.
Jomo Fortunato stressed that the theme of preservation "is in the whole body of this law that has been amended," stressing that the document provides for environmental impact studies before the incursion of any exploration.
"The idea is to ensure that oil exploration does not have a negative impact on the ecosystem, always with a view to safeguarding the interests of local populations. In fact, there has to be a regulation that will necessarily involve protecting the interests of local populations, including monuments and sites," said the minister.
The governor stressed that nowadays there are very advanced technologies, which allow the coexistence between oil exploration and the protection of patrimonial and natural interests.
