30 March 2012: The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) finalized its approval of a US$2.2 million project to be implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to preserve biodiversity in Iona National Park in Angola.
The “National Biodiversity Project: Conservation of Iona National Park” project will rehabilitate the Park as a means to strengthen the management system of protected areas. The rehabilitation will be carried out through: training of park staff, establishing a system of infrastructure, equipment, and services; and raising community and local government support to foster participation in conserving the park. With an organized and effective management system, Park staff will have the necessary tools to reduce overgrazing in grassland habitats, increase population of endangered species, preserve more natural freshwater springs, and reduce poaching incidents, among other initiatives.

The project also will take on a policy-based focus, aiming to strengthen institutional capacity to manage protected areas. Through a strategic plan and policy framework for the organization of the protected areas network, financial sustainability and capacity development indicator scores are expected to improve.

The project is co-financed by UNDP’s Angola Country Office, the EU, and Angola’s Ministry of Environment. [Project Documents]