Tômbwa – The governor of Namibe, Archer Mangueira, stated on Saturday that the Executive's commitment to the requalification of the Iona National Park requires its transformation into an anchor for the development of local tourism and an “ex-libris” of this industry in Angola.
Speaking at the opening of the support structures for that Natural Reserve, Archer Mangueira pointed out that, when fully operational, the reserve will contribute to the sustainable management of all environmental wealth, as is already beginning to happen, as a result of the partnership with African Park.
“An important development hub has been established here, capable of taking advantage of this unique place, where the sea and the desert meet, and the full potential of the mouth of the Cunene River, creating conditions for the emergence of new quality tourist products and that make a difference”, he highlighted.
For it to be real and for there to be guarantees of sustainability, suggested the governor, it is necessary to create a legal framework for the activities to be explored, as well as continue with the repopulation of animals, so that, later, hunting quotas are established.
Located 160 kilometers south of Moçâmedes, capital of the province, the Iona natural reserve is endowed with rich biodiversity, having been established as a hunting reserve in 1937, before being transformed into a National Park in 1964 and occupies an area of 15 thousand 150 square kilometers. MS/ART/DOJ
