Angola

UNESCO, Environment Ministry sign memorandum of understanding

Luanda, 28 February 2009 - The Ministry of  Environment and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Friday February 27 in Luanda, signed a memorandum of understanding, for a cooperation in the organisation and implementation of the International Year of the Planet Earth in Angola.

Signing the accord on behelf of the Angolan Government was minister, Maria de Fátima Jardim, whilst UNESCO was represented by Eduardo de Mulder, the executive director of the International Year of the Planet Earth.

The document is part of the preparations for the establishment of the National Committee on the Planet Earth, whose official launching is scheduled for August 2009.

The memorandum sets the structure of the National Committee Administration for the organisation of the international event of launch of the committee and drafting of concerned regulations.

The two parties are committed under the agreement to develop projects and activities of scientific character,  in cooperation with the "International Year of Planet Earth", a UN resolution intended for a contribution to the sustainable development of the societies, through the use of knowledge and information supplied for geoscience.

The document establishes priorities actions in the areas of earth and health, climate, natural resources and energy, mega-cities and oceans.

The parties are also to carry out activities with the civil society, aimed at a global conscience within the population, in close cooperation with the scientific community.

Addressing the meeting, minister Fatima Jardim said the memorandum will enable Angola to learn more from the knowledge sharing on the planet and the country's liabilities as part of the institution.