New Project Approved in Mount Moco, Angola, with Richard Ladle as Team Member

Mount Moco, Angola - A new conservation project titled "Establishing a conservation area at Mount Moco: protecting Angolan Afromontane forest to benefit biodiversity and communities" has been approved. The project aims to safeguard the endangered Afromontane forest in Angola, with the goal of preserving biodiversity and benefiting local communities.

Led by Fundação Kissama (FK) and supported by various organizations including the Institute for Biodiversity and Conservation Areas in the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Environment (INBAC) and the African Bird Club (ABC), the project has received funding from the World Land Trust. The project coordinator, Michael Mills from FK, will be overseeing the implementation.

The project will focus on increasing the forest area at Mount Moco by implementing measures such as training local villagers to protect the forest from fires and improving native forest tree planting techniques. It also aims to raise awareness among the local communities about the importance of the conservation area and explore ways to manage it sustainably.

Mount Moco's Afromontane forests are of significant ecological importance, supporting a diverse range of species, including several endemic birds. The project seeks to address the ongoing decline of these forests and protect key species such as the endangered Swierstra's Francolin.

With a duration of five years and an estimated budget of USD 750,000, this project is considered a top conservation priority in Angola. Its success will not only contribute to the preservation of Angola's unique biodiversity but also promote the well-being of local communities relying on these natural resources.