Forest Inventory Estimated at Over U.S.$ 1 Million

7 June 2011

Luanda — At least Usd 1.3 million has so far been spent in the National Forest Inventory conducted in the 2007/2011 period, Angop learned Tuesday in Luanda.

The information was released by the project coordinator, Mateus André, who was speaking during the ceremony of presentation of the preliminary results of the National Forest Inventory.

According to Mateus André, the evaluation is supported by a charter that supplies additional accurate information on the state of the country’s forest resources.

The source said the evaluation will be updated every five years through the use of existing high technology, with stress to satellite spatial and cartographic distribution maps.

Mateus André said that in the three years of implementation of the project, the 100 technicians involved have reached 48 units of samples in the country, 26 of which with satisfactory results.

The coordinator of the project, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, said that due to financial constraints, there is need for a continuous investment or inclusion of the project in the State Budget.

He also recommended the substitution of aging technicians nearing retirement with younger personnel with qualifications.

70 percent of the cost of the project is being covered by Angolan Government, whereas the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation is responding for the remainder 30 percent.

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