Angolan minister of Environment Ana Paulo de Carvalho Thursday in Soyo, northern Zaire province, discouraged the destruction of flora and biodiversity, calling for strict Law enforcement on environmental crimes in the country.

The minister made the appeal at the end of a mangrove planting campaign, as part of the closing programme of activities ahead of the World Environment Day, held under the slogan: “All Hands Together to Save Our Planet.

Ana Paula de Carvalho expressed concern over the extinction of some forest species in the municipality of Nzeto (Zaire) and other regions of the country’s coast, as result of human interference.

She also said that the rigorous application of the law on environmental crimes would reduce offences against the environment throughout the country.

The official explained, on the other hand, that in a first phase, the Ministry has opted for educational campaigns to raise awareness among individual and collective entities.

She recalled that in addition to help and renew oxygen, mangroves and other forest species also protect the marine ecosystem, stressing the need for their preservation to avoid the emigration of some animal species.

Ana Paula de Carvalho said that many companies and individuals ignore the environment, despite the awareness and education actions the Provincial Governments and associations carry out in the communities.

The minister’s 48-hour visiting agenda to Soyo, northern Zaire province, includes to launch “Educar para Reciclar” programme and a lecture on the “national strategy and action plan on biodiversity

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)