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Over 300,000 Migratory Waterbirds Seek Refuge in Angola Annually

Luanda: More than 300,000 migratory waterbirds flock to Angola's wetlands each year, escaping the harsh cold temperatures of Europe, as reported by Miguel Xavier, the director of the National Institute of Biodiversity and Conservation Areas (INBAC), to ANGOP.

According to Angola Press News Agency, Xavier highlighted that various bird species find refuge in Angola due to its conducive living conditions. Notably, over one million migratory terrestrial birds, such as red-footed falcons from Asia and Europe, migrate to the Mungo Forest in Huambo Province annually. This significant influx positions Angola as a crucial wintering destination for these species in Africa.

Xavier emphasized the Angolan government's commitment to preserving vital habitats essential for conserving national biodiversity. He disclosed that Angola currently hosts over 250,000 aquatic birds, with the Cape Cormorant species alone accounting for 200,000 of these.

INBAC is set to advance its wetland framework to ensure continued protection of aquatic bird species within the country. Despite facing challenges like waste from Luanda affecting the Ramsar site, efforts to safeguard the habitat persist. Ramsar sites are internationally recognized wetlands valued for their ecological significance.

Planned projects by INBAC include restoring ecosystems in the Central Plateau, empowering community members, and addressing climate change impacts in Iona National Park, Namibe. Xavier noted a growing environmental awareness among the Angolan population compared to earlier times, with all national parks and conservation areas incorporating educational initiatives.

The director pointed out that predatory hunting remains a significant threat to national biodiversity, affecting animal populations and their habitats. INBAC is countering this issue through community empowerment programs, awareness campaigns, and enforcement strategies.

World Environmental Education Day, celebrated on January 26, underscores the importance of environmental education and protection, as established by the United Nations following the Belgrade Conference in 1975.