Conservation

In common with other African countries, Angola has a large number of environmental issues: the overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion; desertification; deforestation of tropical rain forest; and inadequate supplies of drinking water.

Angola Kumbira Forest home to a range of endemic and endangered species. The forest is not protected and some is being cleared for crops such as coffee and bananas to support the local village population.

Photo: John Caddick 2005

Although Angola has a number of designated National Parks and Reserves, the war has had a devastating impact on conservation and most protected areas are without wardens. On the positive side, soldiers are being trained as park wardens through an IUCN / Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development project. In addition, there are extensive protected areas that remain relatively undisturbed and which adequately protect some vegetation types and therefore habitat for birds.

Seven of the IBAs are nominally National Parks or Reserves, and the remaining sixteen sites are unprotected by law. More information about National Parks can be found at Quicama.