Luanda - The Angolan Pavilion at COP 28 Dubai hosted a debate this Saturday on issues related to wildlife crime and environmental consequences.
The highlight was the panel "Exploring the link between wildlife crime and climate change," where the secretary of State for Climate Action and Sustainable Development, Paula Coelho, presented the steps taken by Angola in this area.
She recalled that in May 2022, Angola, Kenya and Peru drew up a draft resolution for the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice on the potential for a new global agreement to fight wildlife trafficking.
She said that this historic resolution was adopted by the Commission by consensus and it was 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 national identity structure, 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 explained.
In her speech, the secretary of State said that Angola seeks to be an active participant in this effort, recognising that the shared commitment to the preservation is crucial to safeguard the people, as well as the biodiversity.
Regarding this, the government official urged the international community to create a strong legal framework and be more inclusive in order to fight wildlife trafficking.
She 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.
Paula Coelho added that the report clearly shows that a large majority of almost 80% of the responding states are in favour of an additional Protocol on preventing and combating wildlife trafficking or are open to discussing it.
She pointed out that the support of more than 85% of African states is meaningful, because wildlife is irreplaceable and continues to benefit others and not directly local and rural communities.
In this regard, the official advocated 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 30 November and ends this Tuesday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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