Luanda: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) praised the Angolan authorities' commitment to the conservation of natural areas on Wednesday. This recognition was expressed to the press in Luanda by Lídia Brito, the organization's Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, following an audience granted by the Vice-President of the Republic, Esperança da Costa. According to Angola Press News Agency, Lídia Brito also praised the Angolan government regarding the first biosphere reserve to be designated by UNESCO in 2025, noting that this move makes the country part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The official emphasized that this milestone opens up new prospects and experiences for other biosphere reserves, enabling local communities to leverage conservation efforts to improve their own lives and foster social and economic growth. She also stated that the organization will continue to support the country in the fields of education, culture, science, tech nology, and higher education. She noted that, during the meeting, the Vice-President mentioned other areas Angola intends to propose to UNESCO for biosphere reserve designation, viewing this as a significant step toward sustainable tourism. "Tourists enjoy visiting places known for good management, where culture and local development are promoted and the environment is protected," she added. According to the official, the meeting also provided an opportunity to review other perspectives regarding biodiversity, oceans, and water, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and ensuring youth engagement. According to the source, Esperança da Costa highlighted to the organization the importance of youth involvement, ensuring young people possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and commitment to contribute to the country's development. This engagement, she noted, also aims to foster their contribution to employment, allowing them to see themselves as creators of knowledge and agents of societal transformation. L ídia Brito also noted that Angola is one of the UNESCO member states that has supported the organization in its agendas regarding education, science, and culture. Speaking to journalists, Lídia Brito highlighted the importance of the 2nd International Forum on Women for Peace and Democracy-which the Angolan capital will host on the 9th and 10th of this month-as fundamental to promoting and ensuring peace. The UNESCO Assistant Director-General emphasized the expectation for increased sharing of experiences and for joint reflection on how to ensure that the empowerment of women and youth transforms societies toward peaceful coexistence. She also announced the Luanda Biennial-an important forum for a culture of peace-scheduled for October of this year, focusing on water and sanitation, which is the central theme of the African Union (AU) agenda.
