Lobito - The Minister of Environment, Ana Paula de Carvalho, on Thursday, in Catumbela municipality, announced that Benguela province has been chosen to begin the environmental decentralization process in the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2nd Environment Consultative Council, the minister, who was coy on any deadlines, said the process will cover all the municipalities, with emphasis on the issue of environmental licensing.
"We want to move towards decentralization at the municipal level. We're going to invest in better solid waste management, and one of our aims is to move towards selective collection, particularly of plastic”, the minister said.
The minister said that the conservation areas along the Lobito Corridor are expected to reopen.
Lobito's mangrove swamps will also be visited to assess their current state, especially for migratory birds, especially flamingos.
"We've been highlighting the good work that the Otchiva Association has been doing in the mangroves throughout the country, in collaboration with the provincial governments," she praised.
Ana Paula de Carvalho also took the opportunity to announce the planting of 5,000 trees in Benguela province in the near future.
The first day of the second Consultative Council was filled with a closed-door meeting to hear the concerns of the provincial governments.
The Ministry of Environment's second Consultative Council will last two days and aims to analyze the implementation of ongoing programs and envisage new goals to be achieved. TC/CRB/TED/AMP
