National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2025

Presidential Decree no. 26/20 of 06 February

_________________________________________________________________________________________

The Biodiversity Action Plan consists of a schedule of activities that must be developed
to achieve the National Objectives in order to achieve the Strategic Goals for the
conservation of Biodiversity in Angola that are aligned with the Aichi 2020 Biodiversity
Goals and the Objectives of Sustainable Development, particularly in the areas of:
 Biodiversity governance;
 Subsistence based on Biodiversity;
 Biodiversity for economic development;
 Biodiversity management systems;
 Biodiversity and climate change;
 Biodiversity and other development initiatives such as energy and mining.

It will be implemented, carrying out the actions proposed through programmes of the
Executive in its governmental composition, as well as by the different authors identified
and by all the living forces of the Angolan nation.

The Biodiversity Action Plan foresees for each institution or branch of activity, public
or private, religious or philanthropic, etc., actions that are its responsibility for the
conservation of Biodiversity.

Within the scope of their duties, institutions should integrate in their programs,
elaborate and implement actions that aim to contribute to the conservation of
Biodiversity.

__________________________________________________________________11/63
The Biodiversity Conservation and Development go together
 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2025
Presidential Decree no. 26/20 of 06 February
_________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________12/63
The Biodiversity Conservation and Development go together
 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2025
Presidential Decree no. 26/20 of 06 February
_________________________________________________________________________________________

I: GENERAL
I.1-BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE BIODIVERSITY OVERVIEW IN ANGOLA

Angola is a country located on

the Atlantic coast of southern Biodiversity:
Africa, with an area of
1,246,700 km2 and about 25.8 It is the variability between living organisms
million inhabitants (INE of all origins, including, among others, that of
2014), it borders on the North terrestrial, marine and other aquatic
with the Republic of Congo ecosystems, as well as ecological complexes
and the DRC, on the East with of which they are part;
the DRC and Zambia, to the
South with Namibia and to the Understands the diversity within each species,
West, the Atlantic Ocean. It between species and ecosystems. (Law no.
has a varied climate between 5/98 of 19 June - Basic Law on the
humid tropical in the North Environment).
and dry to desert tropical in the
Centre and South of the
country. The country is
home to a very rich
Biodiversity, with biomes such as the Namibe Desert in the southwest, passing through
the Kwanza Basin, entirely Angolan, with its forests and open savannahs; the Okavango
Basin and Zambezi, in the Southeast; the rain forest in the Zaire Basin in the north and
northeast, etc.

IUCN scientists (1992) believe that Angolan biodiversity is one of the most important in
the African continent. Data from this international institution indicate that about 5,000
species of plants are believed to exist in the country (not counting the vast floristic
richness of Cabinda Province), 1,260 are endemic - making Angola the second country
in Africa to be richer in endemic plants.

The diversity of mammals is also one of the richest in the continent, with 275 species
registered, including the famous Giant Sable (Hippotragus niger variani), the Red
Buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), the Elephant of the savana (Loxodonta africana
africana) and the elephant oh forest (Loxodonta africana cyclotis), the Gorilla (Gorilla
gorilla), the Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), the African manatin (Trichechus
senegalensis) and the Oryx (Oryx gazella) and others.

The birds' heritage is diverse, with Angola having 872 species catalogued as the Red-
crested Turaco (Tauraco erythrolophus), Swierstra´s Spurfowl (Pternistis swierstrai),
Ruppell´s Korhaan (Eupodotis rueppellii), etc. About 92 percent of the birds of Southern
Africa can be found in Angola.

__________________________________________________________________13/63
The Biodiversity Conservation and Development go together
 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2025
Presidential Decree no. 26/20 of 06 February
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The exceptional Biodiversity in Angola is due to the combination of a number of factors:
the vast size of the country, its inter-tropical geographical position, the variation in
altitude and the type of biomes. The climatic diversity, combined with equal geological
and soil variability, contributed to the formation of bioclimatic zones ranging from the
dense tropical forest to the absence of vegetation in the desert. These different habitats
favour a high level of biological diversity. Habitats such as the Maiombe forest are home
to a huge and rich variety of animal and plant species and constitute a heritage of
international value. Chimpanzees, gorillas and a wide range of mammals also occur in
this forest.

As part of the fulfillment of the obligations of the Convention on Biological Diversity to

which Angola is a Part of, the country has developed the National Biodiversity Strategy
and Action Plans (NBSAP) since 2007 and whose implementation ended in 2012.
Throughout its implementation, NBSAP outlined some goals that the country set out to
achieve:

a. Increase from 6.6% of the country's protected area to around 15%;

b. Include more eco-regions or biomes among conservation areas;
c. Recover and protect endangered or endangered species;
d. Increase or raise the environmental awareness of populations through the
dissemination of environmental information;
e. Distribute conservation responsibilities to all sectors that directly or
indirectly deal with Biodiversity resources.

During this period, the National Parks have benefited from the construction of access
infrastructures, replacement of Administration and effective inspection, as well as the
training of management and inspection personnel in these areas.

The National Parks category was created or elevated, three areas, namely, Mayombe
National Parks in Cabinda, Luengué- Luiana National Park and Mavinga National Park
in Kuando Kubango province. The latter two are part of the Kavango-Zambeze
Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) between Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia
and Zimbabwe.

With this process, Angola currently has nine National Parks, a Regional Park and four
Integral or partial Reserves, with a total area of conservation areas of 156 909.9 km2,
representing 12.58% of the surface of the national territory.

In the Cangandala National Park and in the Integral and Natural Reserve of Luando,
natural habitat of the Giant Sable (Hippotragus niger variani), the Public-Private
Partnership Project for the recovery and conservation of this national symbol species is
being implemented.

In 2010, the first calf was born as a result of the capture and placement operations in the
sanctuary in 2009 of eight females and one male.

In 2011, the second capture operation of giant sable was carried out in the Luando Integral
Reserve and its transfer to the sanctuary in the Cangandala National Park, with the capture
of two relatively young males and six females.
__________________________________________________________________14/63
The Biodiversity Conservation and Development go together
 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2025
Presidential Decree no. 26/20 of 06 February
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Since then, there have been some births of

children from giant sable, totaling about 60
individuals in the sanctuary. This number
seems satisfactory to us after about nine years
since the beginning of the rescue operation of
the species, that started from a reproductive
capital of 10 females, taking into account that
the heavy past of these animals for lack of pure
male giant sable, created constraints on female
fertility. It should be remembered that in 2009
there was a casual and spontaneous hybridization between females of the Giant sable
(Hippotragus niger variani) with males of the Roan (Hippotragus equinus).

Other species such as Grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), Bushbuck (Tragelaphus

scriptus) and Warthog (Phacochoerus aetiopicus) are also experiencing a considerable
increase in Cangandala National Park.

The Angolan coast records five species of sea turtles occuring in its beaches: Loggerhead
turtle (Caretta caretta), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys
imbricata), Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Leatherback turtle
(Dermochelys coreacea).

Most of these species lay their eggs in this region from September to March, and may
extend until the month of May.
The most observed species are: Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys corearea) and Olive
turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) according to observations made by the Kitabanga Project,
(Faculty of Sciences, Universidade Agostinho Neto, 2010).

There are several constraints and challenges in the conservation of Biodiversity in

Angola, some of which can be highlighted, such as: The high levels of poverty and
unemployment in the population, the poor environmental awareness, the presence of
invasive species, the human-wildlife conflict and scarce human, technical and financial
resources available to meet the challenges. These causes are associated with the over-
exploitation of Biodiversity resources such as cutting trees for the manufacture of
charcoal and firewood, the indiscriminate slaughtering of animals (Poaching) to be sold
on main roads and in major national cities.

Many human activities interfere with Biodiversity conservation efforts: poaching or

placing cords at the main crossing points or watering animals, breeding domestic animals
that, in certain cases, Crosses with wild animals and causing hybridization among
domestic animals and wild animals (as is the case of Donkeys with Zebras in the PN of
Iona) and in taking care of the best places for their grazing and watering.

Invasive species such as Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camara, Ricinus communis and
certain species of Eucalyptus constitute another constraint in the conservation of
Biodiversity, because when introduced into a certain environment, they reproduce or
grow very quickly among individuals in the population. This behaviour creates

__________________________________________________________________15/63
The Biodiversity Conservation and Development go together
 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2025
Presidential Decree no. 26/20 of 06 February
_________________________________________________________________________________________
competition with other species around them in relation to habitat, food, water and other
environmental factors and may even culminate in the elimination of native species.

Invasive species can also be classified as those whose control of their population escapes
their natural predators becoming a pest, or weed causing ecological disturbances and
economic damage, as in the case of seals (Artocephalus pusillus) of the Bay of Tigers in
Namibe.

In Angola there are few studies specifically dedicated to invasive species.

The human-animal conflict has caused many concerns to the Government and especially
to rural populations and artisanal fishermen, taking into account its socio-economic
consequences.

The elephant is the species most cited in conflicts between humans and animals in Angola,
especially in the provinces of Kuando-Kubango, Kuanza-Norte, Bengo, Huíla, Moxico
and Cabinda.
Other species such as hippos, crocodiles (alligators), seals, leopards and bushpig are part
of the list of animals that create conflict with humans, all over the country.
The main causes of this conflict vary depending on the species involved and the place
where it occurs, although many of these causes are common.

The peace that the country has been experiencing since 2002 provides greater circulation
of human populations and wildlife in places where they were previously inaccessible; the
ecological balance, especially in the food chain of these animals, the extinction of natural
predators, is also a very strong cause of the conflict between human and wildlife such as
the seal.

From the point of view of conservation, some lessons can also be learned from this
increased conflict between human and wildlife. We can consider that there are still species
of animals in our country that were previously considered extinct and that their population
have been growing gradually.

Angola is an integral part of the Convention on Biological Diversity, (CBD), the

Convention on migratory species of wild fauna, (CMS) and its Agreements with the
Conservation of Sea Turtles on the Atlantic Coast of Africa and Birds of Prey or Predators
of Africa, Europe and Asia, the Convention that Regulates International Trade in
Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).

The accession process is ongoing for the following Conventions: Convention for the
Conservation of Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR), and the Agreements
for the Conservation of Migratory Waterfowl from Africa and Europe and Asia.

The Angolan Biodiversity, in general, is in full recovery, especially in those large species
that are easier to observe and more vulnerable to human activities. The frequency of
human-Wildlife conflict events can be an indicator of the growth of the animal population
of large species such as elephants, hippos, etc.

__________________________________________________________________16/63
The Biodiversity Conservation and Development go together
 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2025
Presidential Decree no. 26/20 of 06 February
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Commercial poaching and tree cutting for the manufacture of charcoal, some
development projects not evaluated from an environmental point of view, are the main
direct threats to the conservation of Biodiversity in Angola.

It is in this context that this National Biodiversity Strategy and its Action Plan were
prepared and approved so that in the next seven years (2019-2025) it can serve as
guidelines that should guide the actions of conservation, preservation, protection and
restoration of Biodiversity in Angola.

I.2-LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

a) - Legal Framework:

The Constitution of Angola 2010, in Article 39 stipulates that:

1. Everyone has the right to live in a healthy and unpolluted

environment, as well as the duty to defend and preserve it;

2. The State adopts the necessary measures for the protection of the
environment and species of flora and fauna throughout the national
territory, the maintenance of ecological balance, the exploitation and
rational use of all natural resources within the framework of
sustainable development and respect for the rights of future
generations and the preservation of different species;

3. The law punishes acts that endanger or damage the preservation of

the environment.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan are based on the goals set by the
Government in the National Development Plan, NDP: 2018-2022.
They are also based on the following documents:
 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan on Biodiversity,
NBSAP (2007-2012);
 Basic Law on the Environment, Law 5/98;
 The United Nations Aichi-2020 goals on the Conservation of the
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, NBSAP (2007-2012);
 The SADC Protocol on Wildlife and its Strategy for Combating
Poaching and Law Enforcement;
 Convention on Biological Diversity to which Angola is a signatory part
(CBD, CMS, CITES and CCD);
 National Policy on Forests, Wild Fauna and Conservation Areas
National Strategy for Combating poverty and food and nutrition
security.

__________________________________________________________________17/63
The Biodiversity Conservation and Development go together
 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2025
Presidential Decree no. 26/20 of 06 February
_________________________________________________________________________________________
 Aquatic Biological Resources Law, Land Law (Law No. 9/04), Water
Law, Law on Territorial Planning and Urban Planning (Law No. 3/04),
Forest Law and Fauna Law Savage, (Law No. 6/17 of 24 January)..

b) - Institutional Framework

As the Environment is a cross-cutting issue, this Strategy is an instrument of the Angolan

Executive that contains the measures that should be adopted by the different public and
private sectors of the Angolan State.
Its implementation is within the framework of integrating Biodiversity conservation
policies in the sectoral programs to be implemented within the framework of the GSB.

The Multi-Sectoral Commission for the Environment (CMA) coordinated by the Ministry
of Environment and integrates various Institutions of the Executive and Associations for
the Defense of the Environment is the body that will supervise the implementation of this
Strategy, with a view to reporting to the Chief of the Executive the degree compliance
with the approved measures.

The Public-Private Partnership is a collaboration between public and private institutions

in the execution of projects and programs aimed at the conservation of Biodiversity. This
relationship results in technical, financial or human co-participation in the
implementation of projects through Cooperation Memorandum, with well-defined
objectives. Several examples have been successful, such as the Giant Sable Conservation
Project.

I.3: ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

The main framework for expressing the usefulness of Biodiversity is through the concept
of Ecosystem Services. This illustrates the relationship, on the one hand, the interactions
of species with each other and with the physical environment and or the well-being of
people, whether in terms of wealth, nutrition or even security.

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, published in 2005, illustrates that Biodiversity

provides us with the following services:
 Provisioning Service, that is, the provision of goods and direct benefits to people
and often with a certain monetary value, such as wood, medicinal plants, non-
timber forest products, fish, rivers and lakes;
 Regulation Services, that is, the range of functions performed by ecosystems that
are often of great value, more generally do not receive a monetary value in
conventional markets but we can evaluate through a reward made when this
service is not provided. ex: Climate regulation with carbon storage, control of
local precipitation, protection from natural disasters such as landslides and coastal
storms, water filtration or purification, etc.
 Cultural Services that contribute to the desires of societies, these include the
spiritual value linked to certain ecosystems, such as forests, lakes, ponds, the
beauty of the landscapes that attract tourists, etc.
 Support Service that is responsible for all other types of ecosystem services, such
as soil formation and plant growth.

__________________________________________________________________18/63
The Biodiversity Conservation and Development go together
 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2025
Presidential Decree no. 26/20 of 06 February
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Currently, the reversal of the loss of Biodiversity and the degradation of Ecosystem
Services is not recognised by development strategies, sectoral and intersectoral policies
and budgetary processes.

The main macroeconomic indicators need to reflect on the cost and consequences of the
degradation of Biodiversity. The ecosystem service needs to be incorporated into national
account systems in order to reflect its contribution to the economy.

II. NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY

II. 1- Methodology and Structure
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NSBAP) of the Republic of Angola
were formulated to serve as an integrated strategic framework, within which the
conservation and sustainable use of Biodiversity in Angola can be organised and co-
ordinated for the fulfillment of an Action Plan over a period of seven years (2019-2025).

It was developed in accordance with the requirements of the Convention on Biological

Diversity, which provides details on how it should be designed and implemented.

However, due to the challenges that Angola faces in terms of its economic and social
development, the Strategy contemplates a broader Vision for the conservation and
sustainable use of Biodiversity in Angola.

The National Strategy is structured as follows:

 Vision: An ideal futuristic understanding that one intends to live at the end of its
implementation;
 General Objective: It is the final result that the Strategy aims for Biodiversity in
Angola.
 Strategic Goals: These are intermediate results that are intended to be achieved
to fulfil the General Objective:
 National Objectives: These are the specific objectives that the Strategy intends
to achieve in order to fulfil strategic goals.
 Action Plan: Set of Actions and activities that must be implemented in order to
achieve the National objectives.

__________________________________________________________________19/63
The Biodiversity Conservation and Development go together
 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2025
Presidential Decree no. 26/20 of 06 February
_________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________20/63
The Biodiversity Conservation and Development go together