The Angola Pavilion at COP 28 Dubai hosted, this Saturday, a debate on issues related to crimes against wildlife and environmental consequences
The highlight goes to the panel “Exploring the nexus between savage crimes and climate change”, where the Secretary of State for Climate Action and Sustainable Development, Paula Coelho, presented the steps taken by Angola in this matter.
He recalled that, in May 2022, Angola, Kenya and Peru, prepared a proposal for a resolution to the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, on the potential for a new global agreement to combat wildlife trafficking.
This historic resolution, he said, was adopted by the Commission by consensus and co-sponsored by 13 other Member States.
Paula Coelho reiterated that the loss of biodiversity not only represents an imminent threat to African ecosystems, communities and the very structure of national identity, but also has an impact on the climate.
“We cannot separate the issues of biodiversity loss and climate change. Our ecosystems are the guardians of climate regulation and carbon sequestration, vital components of resilience against the growing impacts of a changing climate,” she clarified.
In her intervention, the Secretary of State informed that Angola seeks to be an active participant in this effort, recognizing that the shared commitment to conservation is fundamental to safeguarding the people and biodiversity.
In this regard, Paula Coelho called on the international community to create a strong and more comprehensive legal framework to combat wildlife trafficking.
He recalled that earlier this year, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released a new report, compiling the opinions presented by 73 States and the European Union. He added that the report clearly shows that a large majority of almost 80% of responding States are in favor of an additional Protocol on preventing and combating wildlife trafficking or are open to discussing it.
He pointed out that the support of more than 85% of African States is revealing, as wildlife is irreplaceable and continues to benefit others and not directly local and rural communities.
In this path, he defended a structure that transcends borders, strengthens enforcement mechanisms and promotes collaborative efforts between Nations.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) 28, on climate change, began on November 30th and ends this Tuesday, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.