Luanda – Paula Coelho, Angola’s Secretary of State for Climate Action and Sustainable Development, emphasized the necessity for improved environmental legislation focused on the preservation of sea species and the environmental education of children. Her remarks came during a visit by President João Lourenço to a turtle protection project.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the ministry’s immediate focus will be on turtle conservation, leveraging existing detailed studies on the species. “Let this be the pilot project or model, but these are some of the immediate actions that we’re going to follow up on as the Ministry of the Environment,” she stated. The Ministry of the Environment has been overseeing the Kitabanga Project, aimed at raising public awareness about the conservation of endangered species.
Coelho commended the efforts of partners involved in the project and called for increased sponsorship, particularly from the community, to address future challenges and enhance the country’s environmental protection efforts. She highlighted Angola’s unique geographical position and the presence of the Benguela current, which creates nesting areas for various species, noting that the country offers extensive data for scientific study by national, regional, and international institutions.
The Kitabanga Project, initiated in 2003, is a sea turtle study and conservation initiative led by the biology department of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Agostinho Neto University, with partnerships including the Kissama Foundation and the University of Namibe. Operating under the Ministry of Environment, the project monitors 150 kilometers of coastline across Bengo, Zaire, Benguela, Namibe, and Cuanza Sul provinces. Since its inception, Kitabanga has protected 45,000 nests, resulting in the safe spawning of 4.5 million turtles.
Zorgho: On December 22, 2023, the Municipal Special Delegation (DS) of Zorgho held an accountability day at the youth center, showcasing its efforts in governance and local development over the past year. The event marked a significant stride towards transparency and active citizen involvement in municipal affairs.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Valentin Badolo, and the High Commissioner of the Ganzourgou province, Mrs. Aminata Sorghum/Gouba, the accountability day began with their inaugural speeches. Mrs. Sorghum/Gouba commended the Zorgho DS for fostering transparency and good governance, highlighting the participation of various local groups, including Village Development Committees (CVD), Civil Society Organizations (CSO), technical chiefdom, services, and partner NGOs. She stressed the importance of citizens being well-informed and actively participating in managing municipal affairs.
The secretary general of Zorgho town hall, Ludovic Sanou, detailed the activities undertaken in 2023. These included the implementation of a census of public domain occupants, resulting in the identification of 1,118 occupants and an anticipated annual revenue of 33 million 753 thousand FCFA for the municipal budget. Additionally, the Support Program for the Development of Local Economies (PADEL) distributed 25 shops and 50 hangars, bolstering local infrastructure.
The Annual Communal Investment Plan (PAIC) saw an investment of 122 million 820 thousand 387 FCFA, out of a forecasted 168 million 52 thousand 860 FCFA. These investments, sourced from various funds, including the municipal budget, the Territorial Community Development Agency (ADCT), the mining fund, and state resources, were allocated to sectors like education, drinking water, sanitation, health, electricity, and governance.
The event sparked intensive discussions, with queries about maintenance of street lights, use of mining funds, and the oversight of infrastructure projects. The PDS, Valentin Badolo, encouraged participants to provide recommendations and extended gratitude to ORCADE and OXFAM for supporting the event.
This accountability day underscored Zorgho’s commitment to transparent governance, citizen engagement, and the execution of sustainable development projects.