Assessment of the Structure and Functioning of the Angola Front (AF) Zone and Associated Natural Resource Exploitation Issues

Introduction

Background

The Reykjavik and Johannesburg Conferences (WSSD) both produced targets for sustainable management of ecosystems and fisheries. In these conferences, it was recommended that resources be managed on the basis of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF), considering the interactions among and impacts of different uses of ecosystem (mostly petroleum, fishery, tourism and transport).

Achieving this objective requires extensive international cooperation, that has been mediated, in the region, by the GEF-sponsored Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) programmes.

The Angola Front (AF), near the northern border of Angola, effectively separates the main BCLME region from the Equatorial Atlantic. This area is where the Benguela Current LME (BCLME) and the Guinea Current LME (GCLME) overlap, requiring enhanced coordination between the two projects. This area is characterized by a complex hydrography, as well as by political complex systems, since several countries border it.

The Angola Front zone is influenced by the river discharge originated from the Congo River, and is characterized by strong horizontal and vertical gradients in temperature, salinity and a complex system of the currents. This hydrological pattern has an impact on distribution and availability of fishery resources, (mainly the pelagic resources) that have wide distribution and are transboundary resources, shared with the countries of BCLME and GCLME regions.

Another important factor that affects the dynamics of resources in this area is the existence of extensive oil exploration and extraction activity, which has an impact, not only on fishery resources, but also possibly on marine biodiversity and may result in the alteration of the abiotic factors in the water column and sediments.

A deeper knowledge of the dynamics of the marine ecosystem in this zone of the Angola Front, and of the impacts of human activity on it, are a pre-requisite for the sustainable management of the biotic and abiotic resources which are shared between BCLME and GCLME.

There is thus an urgent need for collective actions which will allow the identification of the main transboundary problems for the Angola Front area, in order to develop effective liaison between BCLME and GCLME.

An international workshop to address these issues was held in Luanda, Angola, from 2-3 October 2006, and was attended by 55 participants representing scientists and managers from the three member countries of BCLME, some countries of the GCLME, and the oil companies operating in the area, as well as their associations. Additionally, scientists from Norway , xx andd xx also participated. The AFWS had the following specific objectives:

Source all available information on the northern boundary region of the BCLME;
Provide a comprehensive review and assessment of this available information on the area, integrating it to advance understanding;
Promote the dissemination of findings from recent work commissioned by BCLME and GCLME and others dealing with various aspects of the northern boundary region.
Assess the oceanographic influences of the Congo river in respect of living marine resources, the impact of current oil-field practices and oil spill contingency planning, artisanal fisheries and socio-economic impacts of pollution, coastal degradation and marine biodiversity (mangroves in particular).
Document the main gaps in knowledge;
Assess regional needs in respect of the BCLME Northern Boundary, and identify priority needs of the BCLME and GCLME sustainable management programmes;
Provide an integrating framework for future activities and the development of an operational strategy for the implementation of a comprehensive project to address these priority needs;

Agenda

The agenda distributed by the organisation was distributed again to all participants. It is presented as Annex I.

Participants

The participants and invitees to the workshop included representatives from the main Angolan ministries with responsibilities in the management of the area, from the Provincial Governments of Luanda, Bengo, Zaire and Cabinda, and from the BCLME and GCLME countries, as well as from the major oil exploration companies and from countries cooperating with Angola and the region. The full list of participants is presented as Annex II.

Welcome and Introduction

The welcome session included addresses by the General Director of INIP and by the Workshop co-ordinator. A summary of these addresses is given below. The full text of the speeches is given in Annex III.

Welcoming remarks - Dr. Francisca Pires Delgado, General Director of the National Institute for Fisheries Research (INIP)

Dr. Delgado, as responsible for the organizing committee, made some comments about the importance of the workshop to Angola and to the countries in the region, and welcomed all participants to the workshop. She introduced Dr. Nkosi Luyeye, Coordinator of the AF Workshop, and wished all participants a successful meeting.

Introduction to the Workshop - Dr. Nkosi Luyeye, Coordinator of the AF Workshop

Dr. Luyeye, as coordinator of the Workshop, reiterated the welcome to all participants. He described the bakground to the workshop, and the results expected from it. He presented an outline of the agenda for the rest of the workshop, and described succintly the work to be carried out during the workshop, as well as indicating the people who would be responsible for the different sections of the work. He closed his intervention by thanking the BCLME programme for supporting this important initiative, and by calling Dr. Michael O'Toole, BCLME CTA, to start the opening session.

Opening Session

The opening session included addresses by the BCLME Chief technical Adviser, the representative of the GCLME coordinator and the Honourable Vice-Minister of Fisheries.

Dr. Mick O'Toole, BCLME CTA

Dr. O'Toole reminded the participants the important contribution made by Dr. Victória Neto, former Director of INIP and currently Fisheries Deputy Minister, to the creation of the regional cooperation programmes BENEFIT and BCLME. He stated that her vision and commitment had made BCLME possible, and thanked her on behalf of the whole BCLME community.

Dr. Emmanuel Ajao, Nigeria

On behalf of GCLME coordinator, Prof. Chidi Ibe, Dr. Ajao presented a summary of the GCLME Project Implementation Status. The presentation summarised the five main project objectives, and the three main axes of the project strategy, (a) Improved legal/management frameworks and institutional structures to address priority regional issues, (b) Successfully implement some demonstration projects, and (c) Develop nationally endorsed Strategic Action Program and National Action Plans (NAPs). He detailed the current status of activities carried out in each of the project objectives, emphasising the need for increased effort in this area. He concluded his presentation with a summary of the main challenges faced by the programme, emphasising the importance of the Angola Front area to the dynamics of the GCLME, and reinforced the need of cooperation between BCLME and GCLME to understand the phenomena at play in this area. Dr. Ajao's presentation is given in Annex V (presentations).

The Honourable Deputy Minister of Fisheries of Angola, Dr. Victória de Barros Neto

Dr. Barros Neto, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Fisheries, Dr. Salomão Xirimbimbi, officially opened the meeting. She thanked the invitation, and made a short summary of the importance of marine and coastal resources for the economic and social development of Angola and the other countries in the region. She briefly reminded the workshop participants of the decisions by the Johanesburg summit regarding the sustainable management of marine resources, and of the need to adequately manage the coastal zone and the marine environment, where often many human activities need to be balanced.

She stated her confidence that the meeting would provide important insight into the functioning of the Angola Front area, and that it would be very useful to the countries in the area, as it would enhance their capacity for sustainably managing the resources and the environment in the area.

She thanked BCLME, BENEFIT, GCLME and the other international organisations and programmes that support the activities of Angola on increasing its capacity to adequately manage its marine and coastal resources, and reminded that the meeting was jointly organised by the Angolan Ministries of Fisheries, Oil, and Urbanism and Environment, as well as of the Provincial Governments of Luanda, Bengo, Zaire and Cabinda, with the support of the oil companies.

She closed her speech by wishing all a successful meeting and a nice stay in Angola.

Presentations

Presentations were distributed throughout the two days of the workshop

A total of 18 presentations were given. The presentations given during this period are presented as Annex V. In what follows, a short summary of all presentations is given.

First panel – Environment

Quilanda Fidel – INIP, Angola: Oceanographic features of the Congo River Region

This presentation reviewed the main features of circulation in the Northern Region, including the seasonal cycles of SST, the climatic variability on the Tropical Atlantic and the influence of the Congo River discharges on the main features of the water masses in the region. A main focus of the presentation was on the extreme oceanographic events detected during the last few decades, including the “Atlantic Niños”. To close the presentation, he listed the main knowledge gaps about the oceanographic features and dynamics of the region, and suggested research work that should be carried out to address these gaps.

António da Silva – BENEFIT Secretariat: Biological Oceanography in the AF

This presentation reviewed the importance of knowledge on Biological Oceanography for fisheries management, and the information on this scientific field available for the Angola Front area. It then presented the main research questions currently being considered for the area, and the BCLME Monitoring lines research programme currently being implemented across the whole BCLME region.

Roy Van Ballegooyen – CSIR, South Africa: Congo River fluxes :Their influence on the estuary and adjacent coastal and offshore environments

This presentation focused on the main features and dynamics of the water masses close to the coast in the AF region, and the effect of the outflow from the Congo River on these dynamics. The main features of oceanic circulation in the area and the specific features of the Congo River and its canyon were reviewed, with a special emphasis on the consequences of these to coastal dynamics. The results of a CSIR study on the estuarine flows in the Congo River and the corresponding coastal communities were presented, and linked to the offshore dynamics of salinity, temperature and productivity. Finally, suggestions for future research were presented, from a point of view of coastal oceanographic dynamics.

Second Panel – Living Marine Resources

Filomena Vaz-Velho & N'Kossi Luyeye – INIP, Angola: The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management

This presentation focused on the main elements of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management. The use of Cost-Benefit Analysis, applied to the conflict between oil exploration and fisheries, was used to demonstrate the need to evaluate the different impacts of any proposed project on the environment and the economic uses of the marine and coastal systems before carrying out the projects.

Filomena Vaz-Velho & N'Kossi Luyeye – INIP, Angola: Assessment of Commercial Fisheries of Angola

This presentation updated the participants on the recent trends and current status of the main commercial fisheries of Angola. The trends in landings, estimated stock biomass and length distributions were presented for the major pelagic and demersal fisheries. Most stocks are at reduced biomass levels, and the size-structure of several of them indicates they are in an overexploited state. The main knowledge gaps regarding the species distributed along the Angola Front area and their influence on the quality of the assessment were reviewed, and some priorities for research addressing them were indicated. The main issues identified are related to the lack of knowledge about stock identity, and about the migration patterns of the main species.

Agostinho Duarte – IPA, Angola: Artisanal Fisheries

This presentation focused on the main features and trends of the artisanal fisheries off Angola. The institutional relations and the role of the Angolan Institute for Development of Artisanal Fisheries were presented, followed by a review of the patterns and trends in the estimated effort and landings from the Artisanal Fisheries sub-sector.

Overall, both effort and landings have shown a marked increase in the years since the end of the war, in 2002, with a peak in 2004. It is estimated that a total of about 250 000 people may depend on the artisanal fisheries sub-sector, either totally or partially.

The importance of the sub-sector in the Angola Front area was shown. It is estimated that the landings from the artisanal sub-sector in the two Angolan provinces in the area, Zaire and Cabinda, have exceeded 11 000 tonnes in 2005. The landings in this area are dominated by croakers and flatfish.

António Barradas, Guilherme Camarada (INIP), Esteves Afonso, Miguel Morais (FC-UAN): Non-Targeted Living Resources - – Angola

This presentation summarised current knowledge on the main groups of non-targeted living resources off the Angolan area of the Angola Front zone. Sharks, cetaceans, sea turtles and seabirds were covered. The main species observed during the scientific surveys in the area, and the overall distribution patterns were described. The main knowledge gaps regarding these species groups were identified, and some recommendations regarding future research were presented. Overall, most of the knowledge gaps identified were related to the migration patterns and life-cycles, and the research recommendations corresponded to these.

Silvi Nsiangango (INIP) and Maria Luisa Morais (FC-UAN): Ecosystem and Conservation Aspects

This presentation focused especially on a review of current knowledge on the coastal currents in the northern provinces off Angola and their effect on the transport of sediments and coastal erosion. The exploitation of mineral resources along the coast, and the potential non-petroleum resources, were discussed, with the conclusion that there are many potentially valuable mineral resources that are not being exploited. A review of the main threats to biodiversity in the area, and of the legal instruments addressing them, concluded the presentation.

Francisca Monteiro, FC-UAN: Mangroves of the Angola Front

This presentation described the main features of the mangroves in the Angolan part of the Angolan front area. These mangroves are mostly distributed along the estuaries of the main rivers in the area, especially the Congo, Lubinda, Chiloango and Massabi. Three species account for most of the plants, Rhizophora racemosa, Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa. The main animal species in the ecosystem were also reviewed. Finally, the main causes for the observed degradation of the mangroves in the area were listed, and a mixture of natural and human causes were identified, including building of roads interrupting the water movements, and pollution, including oil spills.

Third Panel – Management, Social and Economic Issues

Carlos Santos, MinUA: Socio-Economic issues and related matters

This presentation addressed the issue of the multiple uses of the coastal area, and the need to ensure that they are compatible among them and with the conservation of the environment. The issue of oil pollution, and the need to monitor it for ensuring the preservation of ecosystem health, was presented as an example of this multiple-use problem. The contribution of the oil exploration and the fisheries sector for the economic growth of the country was compared. While oil and diamond exploration represents about 54% of the GDP, fisheries account for only 3-5%. However, it was stressed that the fisheries sector is responsible for the livelihoods of a much larger part of the population in the Angola Front area, especially on the artisanal sub-sector. The touristic potential of the coastal area of the northern provinces of Angola was reviewed, and it was concluded that tourism was likely to make increasing contributions to the economies of the area, but that environmental quality had to be maintained if this was to be achieved.

Francisca Delgado, INIP: Fisheries Management and Socio-Economic Issues

This presentation addressed the evolution of fisheries in Angola and its management. The trends in the landings of the main target species were briefly reviewed, as well as the current state of most stocks. Current landings are only a fraction of historical landings, and it is considered that many stocks are currently fully- or overexploited. The main elements of the policy of the Angolan Government for fisheries management were reviewed, as well as the role of the different elements, especially research, in the management process. The presentation was concluded by an assessment of the main challenges to marine fisheries research in Angola, which were listed as the increase of scientific capacity, and the increase of exchange and co-operation with the different stakeholders of the fisheries and marine sectors, as well as with the neighboring countries.

Fourth Panel – Non-Living Resources and Oil Exploration Area

Helena André, MinPet: Exploration of Oil and Gas in Angola – Environmental protection

This presentation focused on the production of oil and gas in Angola, and the environmental protection measures adopted to minimize the impact of this activity on the environment. The history of oil exploration in Angola was presented, with an emphasis on the projected increase in production for the next decade.

The current and future offshore oil exploration blocks were presented, as well as the new large projects LNG (production of gas, eliminating the burning a the rigs) and the new refinery. These latter were presented as initiatives that will allow the increase of value in production while decreasing the environmental impact of oil exploration. The regulatory measures adopted by the Government and the industry to minimize this impact were also presented, especially the Monitoring Programmes and the national response system for oil spills.

Maria José Martins – ACEPA: Biodiversidade

This speaker presented an overview of the marine biodiversity in the oil exploration areas. Marine biodiversity is in general high in Angola, and the oil exploration activities may present a threat to this biodiversity. The main elements of the oil exploration activity that could threaten biodiversity were briefly reviewed. The management of biodiversity in the oil exploration areas includes several research and monitoring programmes, managed by the industry. The main elements of these studies were reviewed, as the contribution of these studies to science, through the increase in knowledge about the deep-sea systems of Angola. The presentation was concluded by a summary of the Biodiversity projects off Angola managed or funded by ACEPA.

ACEPA: Atmospheric Emissions;

The presentation on atmospheric emissions started by reviewing the main components of atmospheric emissions from the Oil Production activity, separating them into greenhouse gases and regional pollutants. All these gases and pollutants arise from the process of flaring associated gas. Therefore, the reduction of gas flaring will be beneficial to most atmospheric emissions. The partnership for Global Gas Flaring Reduction (GGFR), created in 2002, was presented, together with the trends in global oil production and gas flaring from 1975, and the projections until 2015. These scenarios foresee a reduction in gas flaring from the current level of 95-115 Billion Cubic Meters/year (BCM/y) to a level of 20-40 BCM/y in 2015. The Integrated Approach to Gas Flaring Reduction, including the Volunteer Pattern for Global Reduction of Gas Flaring and Venting, was presented and discussed. The presentation closed with a review of the Angola LNG project, with an overview of the perspectives and challenges of the project.

Gary Wolinsky, Chevron, Angola: Analysis of Ecological Risk of Offshore Oil and Gas Production: Cabinda Marine Environment Surveys

This presentation focused on the activities carried out by Chevron Angola to monitor Cabinda marine environment and related ecological concerns, with a special emphasis on the Pilot Seafood Assessment carried out in early 2006. The methodology followed and the results obtained were presented. The target contaminants investigated were PAHs and homologues , Metals , PCBs and Chlorinated pesticides.

The presentation indicated that the levels of fish contamination by these contaminants detected in this pilot study were similar to levels commonly found in other parts of the world. The plans for the second phase of the study, to start in December 2006, were briefly presented.

Armando Afonso – ACEPA: Overview on Readiness and Response Against Oil Spills in Angola

This presentation aimed at presenting the overall system for Oil Spill response in Angola. The graduated response concept was presented, under which the magnitude of the response, and the means involved, increase with the seriousness of the spill.

The main Angolan legislation for dealing with oil spills was presented, as well as the main challenges faced by those fighting oil spills, especially physical and meteorological constraints. The presentation concluded with a review of the choices and trade-offs that need to be considered when planning the combat of an oil spill, and the equipment currently available for this task in Angola.

Patrícia Cruz, ACEPA: Waste Management – Regulatory obligations and new practices

This presentation covered an overview of the international and Angolan regulations for waste management, as well as the practice of waste management in the oil industry in Angola. The need for classification of waste, and for an appropriate waste tracking system, was emphasized. The presentation concluded with an example of good practice in waste management by the Angolan oil industry.

Bjørn Serigstad & Gisle Vassenden, IMR, Norway: Progress on implementation of the offshore Environmental Monitoring Plan for Angola - Some preliminary results from the Nansen survey in April 2006.

This presentation focused on the Offshore Environmental Monitoring Plan for Angola, developed with Norwegian assistance, and whose first steps were carried out also with assistance from Norway.

It presented the history of the development of the plan, and reviewed the discharges from oil industry which may give environmental effects. Also the regulatory principles for the enforcement of pollution regulations, like the polluter pays principle, and the Norwegian regulatory model were presented.

The Norwegian oil monitoring plan was presented, as well as the monitoring plan devised for Angola based on the Norwegian one.

In its final part, the design of the monitoring survey carried out by R\V “Dr. Fridtjof Nansen” was reviewed, and some preliminary results from samples already analysed were presented.

Matthieu Mongolu Bongu – Univ. Kinshasa, D. R. Congo: Current status of natural resource exploitation in the coastal and marine areas of Congo D. R.

Preliminary results of a survey on the fish resources of the coastal area of RDC, carried out in early 2006, were the subject of this presentation. At least 44 fish species, from 23 different families, were identified. The main items of their diet were identified, allowing a better overview of their ecological role and of the complexity of the food web. Some results from chemical analysis of fish in the area showed that there were relatively high levels of lead contamination, raising some concerns about health consequences of pollution in the area.

Discussions and workshop

Descriptive

The participants were split into 5 groups, with the following themes:

a) Environment

b) Exploited living marine resources

c) Non-exploited living marine resources

d) Non-Living Marine Resources

e) Ecosystem Health and Conservation

The list of participants included in each group is presented as Annex IV.

Summary of conclusions from the discussion

The chairs from each group presented the main conclusions of the work carried out. A summary of these main conclusions follows:

Group I - Environment

The group presented the main characteristics of the oceanographic circulation in the region, enhancing the importance of the Equatorial Current and Counter-Current and of the coastal relief to the patterns of the coastal circulation in the region.

The main patterns of the physical oceanography data collected during the scientific surveys carried out in the region were summarised, and a proposal for the characterisation of different areas of the coastline, based on these patterns, was presented.

The issue of the source of low salinity water in the area north of the Congo River, as well as that of the origin of nutrient enrichment in a low wind area, were identified as the main issues to investigate.

Regarding biological oceanography, the group concluded that there is very little data available from the region, and recommended that at least three biological oceanography profiles should be established along the coast of Angola, including the Angola Front area, in order to collect information that will enhance the understanding of oceanographic patterns in this region.

The group report and discussion included the following main items:

1- Review of existing knowledge

The coastal ocean off Angola is characterized by three major divisions: (a) The northern border of the subtropical gyre and the Benguela Current, which detaches from the African continent at the latitude between Cunene River and Tombua; (b) Between 5-9 degrees is the region where the South Equatorial Counter Current (SECC) reaches its eastern end and splits into two branches, the southern forming the Angola gyre and the northern turning towards the Bay of Guinea; (c) Periodic Southwards intrusions of fresh water along the shelf related to the build-up of pressure in the Bay of Guinea.

Those open-open ocean divisions combined with bathymetry affect the major divisions along the shelf.

Baseline data on oceanography (CTD, Underway meteo, SST) obtained from the Nansen surveys in 1994-2006 (Winter and Summer)have been explored for the region to the south of Luanda. Based on these data, the major divisions found are:

Luanda to Moita Seca (9-11 deg). This region, aligned with the direction of the trade wind, is characterized by upwelling favorable conditions in winter and absence of upwelling and intensification of the warm southward flowing coastal current in summer. This current carries low salinity water along the coast.
Moita-Seca to Benguela. Similar to the region above, but sheltered from the wind due the orography, even during winter. SST is the warmest from the entire Angolan coast. The region appears to be very productive, even though the wind and currents are low.
Benguela to Namibe. The shelf is virtually absent. Open ocean water mass structure with high-salinity TSW reaches the coast.
South of Namibe influence of the Benguela current.

2- Identification of gaps and key questions

The group identified the following knowledge gaps/Key questions:

What is the source of the low salinity water in the northern area?
1. Congo river/Unbounded discharge,or the continuous flow from the bay of Guinea?
In the northern area, the wind stress is low also during winter. However, the thermocline is very shallow and therefore the subsurface nutrient pool may be drawn to the surface at low wind speeds. The eastward elevation of the thermocline in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic is remotely forced, but the nature and magnitude of the impacts of this process on the Angola’s coastal ecosystem are poorly understood.
What drives the vertical mixing and supply of nutrients in the area Moita-Seca to Benguela?
1. Internal tides?
Is Benguela, Baia Farta the end of the tropical coastal ecosystem?
Where is the border between the subtropical and tropical coastal ecosystems, how does it vary seasonally and interannually?
Overall, there is virtually no baseline data on biological oceanography.

3- Proposed research actions

The group suggested the following research actions:

Carry out deeper analyses of the existing data to clarify the main key questions listed above.

Given the overall lack of biological oceanographic data, at least three biological oceanography profiles should be established along the coast of Angola, including the Angola Front area, with collection of data on phyto- zoo- and ichtioplankton, as well as water chemistry. These profiles should cover the areas of Namibe, Lobito, Luanda and Cabinda.

Group II – Exploited Living Marine Resources

The group concentrated its research on the problems felt by fishers in the region. Most of these problems are related with the compatibility between fisheries and the oil and gas exploration, as well as with the lack of knowledge on the resources that use the area of the Congo River estuary. The group listed the main knowledge gaps associated to the issues identified, and suggested several research activities. Most of these activities involve a systematic collation and organisation of the information and data already available, as well as a data collection programme, in a second phase.

The group report and discussion included the following main items:

1- Review of existing knowledge

The group decided to concentrate its discussion on the identification of problems felt especially by fisherfolk and the local communities. The main issues identified by the group were as follows:

There is an area of fishing prohibition around oil platforms, at a radius of 1 km from each well or rig;
Fishermen lose the opportunities of fishing from the establishment of the exclusion areas;
The Congo River mouth has a high density of fish species and plays an important ecological role;
The quality of fish for human consumption is in doubt; This is especially problematic after an oil spill;
Fishermen from Cabinda and RDC go to the Zaire province to fish; This movement is probably more intense when there are oil spills in the Cabinda area, and it increases fishing effort by unknown amount;

2- Identification of gaps and key questions

Linked to the known problems identified, the group identified the following knowledge gaps/key questions:

Which species exist in the area of oil exploration? In what density? What % of the total area is closed to fishing? What is the effect of rigs on fish populations?

What species could have been captured in the oil exclusion areas? What is the amount of losses incurred by the fishermen from the exclusion areas;
Which species exist in the area of Congo River mouth? Which life-stages? At what time of year? What is the use they make of the area?
What is the level of contaminants in the exploited fish? Is there a change in this level after an oil spill? Is there bioaccumulation of contaminants?
How many fishermen/vessels move? At what time? What are their main features?

3- Proposed research actions

The research actions proposed to address the gaps/key questions identified were divided into short-term, medium-term and long-term actions.

Short-Term actions:

Desktop projects:

Compile information available on the species present in the area. Compile information from the Oil companies on species present/exclusion areas;
State of the Ecosystem report for the Angola-Guinea current area;
Resource availability, gaps and proposed management strategies;

Develop a monitoring strategy towards quality of fish and fishery products;

Medium-term actions:

Establish a set of dedicated surveys;

Update census of fishermen and fishing vessels;
Expand the fisheries sampling programme into the northern area, with higher sampling frequency;
Improve sampling programme to cover also the fishermen from Cabinda and DRC movingo to Zaire province;

Long-term actions:

Expand the fisheries sampling programme as a routine programme;

Sampling commercial fish densities and catch rates in the closed areas; Estimate returns from the closed areas;
Establish regular monitoring of pollution and contaminants on fish and fishery products , with a regular sampling for baseline levels, combined with an after-event (oil spill) sampling strategy, run by an independent organisation;

Group III - Non-Exploited Living Marine Resources

The group concentrated its discussion on the threatened or protected marine biological resources, like Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles, Seabirds and Sharks.

The knowledge available on these resources was reviewed, with a special focus on their diversity, distribution and movement. The main knowledge gaps were identified, focusing on migration routes, the effect of the Congo River and threats to their conservation.

The main recommendations concentrated on the need of concluding the BCLME projects currently being run, and the implementation of new projects dedicated to the study of the resources present in the Angola Front are. The need to encourage the publication of the results of these and other research projects in the are was also stressed.

The group report and discussion included the following main items:

1- Review of existing knowledge

The group concentrated on protected, vulnerable or threatened species. The main species groups considered were:

Marine mamals: Cetaceans, sea-lions

Sea turtles
Seabirds
Sharks

Current knowledge available on these species includes:

Biological diversity and overall distribution – for some (few) species;
Seasonal patterns in distribution – for sea turtles, and a few species of cetaceans, seabirds and sharks;
Types of exploitation of these species:
1. By-catch and accidental catches in artisanal fisheries: Sea turtles, sharks and seabirds;
2. By-catch and accidental catches in the industrial fisheries: Especially for sharks, sea turtles and more seldom small-sized cetaceans.
The main threats for these species were listed as:
1. Activities directly targeting the resources, namely sand extraction and logging of mangroves;
2. Pollution and ecosystem/habitat degradation- short and medium-term;
3. Climate changes and coastline changes – long-term;
The conservation status and the legislation protecting these species were also reviewed.
1. There is several national legislation protecting these species (e.g. 2% of the coastal area is protected for sea turtle nesting);
2. Angola has ratified most of the international conventions on these issues;
The research projects currently running include:
1. The BCLME Top predator project;
2. The BCLME By-Catch project;
3. The FC-UAN project on conservation of sea turtles at Palmeirinhas;
4. The Chevron/Cabinda provincial government on conservation of sea turtles in Cabinda;

Data sources for this information were listed, and include INIP, BP, Chevron, FC-UAN, MNHN, MINUA, and the Provincial Governments of the coastal provinces;

2- Identification of gaps and key questions

The main gaps/key questions identified were:

An effective enforcement of the legislation currently in force;

A system for monitoring of the status of these resources and of their use;
The real management implication of the current status of the resources
Knowledge about the movements and importance of the migratory species;

3- Proposed research actions

The projects and research actions suggested by the group were:

General proposals:

Conclusion of the BCLME projects;

Building of the CIP Cabinda;
Implement the recommendations of NBSAP;
Define the priority projects within GCLME;
Encourage more actively the publication and dissemination of scientific studies on the area;

Some specific research projects were also suggested:
1. Identification of the main resources available in the Angola Front area;
2. Research on the current patterns in the area, and their influence on the main resources;
3. Study on the dynamics and migratory routes of the main species;

Group IV – Non-Living Resources

The group presented a summary of the current activity level of exploitation of non-living resources in the Angola Front area. Special attention was given to the main projects currently under execution, as well as to the perspectives of durability of the exploitation. According to current estimates, it is foreseen that exploitation of these resources will be possible for another 25 years, in the case of oil resources, and 35 years, for natural gas.

The group presented also a summary of the projects being developed together between Angola and the neighbouring countries. The information available on Environmental quality related to the exploration of non-living resources was reviewed, and the priorities to address the information gaps identified were defined. The projects identified as the most urgent included the Mapping of Sensitive Areas, the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, and the National Environmental Monitoring Programme. On the long-term, the most important priority will be the creation of a National Data Base on Environmental Quality.

The group report and discussion included the following main items:

1- Review of existing knowledge

The group started by reviewing the current level of the activity of the sector.

The current level of oil production is 1.3 million barrels/day.

The main projects are:

Oil exploration projects:

TAKULA, Block 0
KUITO, BLOCO14
B.B.L.T, BLOCO14
KIZOMBA A, BLOCO15
KIZOMBA B, Block 15
GIRASSOL, Block 17
DÁLIA, Block 17
ROSA-LÍRIO, Block 17
GRANDE PLUTÓNIO, Block 18
The remaining areas in blocks will be allocated to new operators;

Processing projects:
1. Lead-free fuel, DIRT. SADC;
2. ANGOLA LNG, Soyo
3. New Refinery, Lobito

The joint activities are:

Unitization area (Angola/Congo): Lianzi-1 Well

Commision of the Gulf of Guinea Producers (Gabon, Congo-Brazaville, DRC, Angola, Nigeria, S. Tomé e Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea)

There is a high potential for the expansion of oil and gas activities:

For oil, there is a horizon of 25 years for the average duration of the projects, and a projected production, for 2007, of 2 million barrels/day;

For natural gas, the projected production is of 5 million tonnes/year for 35 years;

The information available on the area comes from projects of the oil exploration companies, as well as data from projects of INIP, INAMET, the Angolan Navy, and the Ministry of Transport.

There is also relevant information in the environmental impact studies carried out for the projects in the area.

2- Identification of gaps and key questions

The main gaps/key questions identified by the group were the lack of enough environmental impact studies and enough baseline information on quality of the environment.

3- Proposed research actions

Short-term actions:

Charting of the sensitive areas;
National oil spill contingency plan;
National environmental monitoring plan;

Long-term actions:
1. Monitoring and reduction of atmospheric emissions;
2. Creation and development of a national environment database;
3. Define environmental protection mechanisms ensuring the sustainability of the activity;

Group V – Ecosystem Health and Conservation

The group reviewed the information available on the Biodiversity of the Marine and Coastal Environment in the Angola Front area, as well as the sources for this information.

It also discussed the main threats to biodiversity, and identified the following main groups of threats: (a) overexploitation of living marine resources, especially with industrial bottom trawl; (b) the indiscriminate logging of mangrove forests for fuel and construction; (c) Physical modifications of the environment, including coastal erosion, construction on the coastal areas and the mining of mineral resources.

Following this preliminary work, the group recommended that an integrated study of the Angola Front area should be carried out. This study should include at least the following items: (a) the causes for the degradation of the mangrove areas, including toxicity problems; (b) the inventory of the main animal and plant species; (c) the erosion potential of the coast;

The group also recommended the creation of a geo-referenced data bank, including at least the cartography of the area, and thematic maps with several environmental indices.

The group report and discussion included the following main items:

1- Review of existing knowledge

The group review was based on the following information sources:

UNESCO reports;
Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) reports of Oil development projects;
INIP reports
Reports of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation: NBSAP, study of the mangroves of the Chiluango river, Plant map of Angola – Mendonça & Barbosa (1930 and 1970)

The group considered Marine Biodiversity, in the following groups:

Mangroves

Crustaceans
Molluscs
Fish
Phytoplankton
Zooplankton
Benthos
Seabirds
Sea turtles
Cetaceans

The group identified the major possible threats to biodiversity, namely

Overexploitation of the marine biological resources;

Trawl fishing gear;
Industrial fishing;
Indiscriminate logging of mangrove forests for fuel and construction;

Physical modifications
1. Coastal erosion
2. Construction activity (roads, etc);
3. Exploitation of mineral resources;
Other threats
1. Industrial and/or urban sewage discharges;
2. Rainfall discharges;
3. Oil spills at sea, and their consequences on the coastal ecosystems;
4. Burning of oil exploration gas, and its consequences on the coastal ecosystems;

2- Identification of gaps and key questions

The group considered that the gaps and key questions were best addressed by defining a set of proposed research actions.

3- Proposed research actions

Overall global development actions

Enforcement of the measures for conservation of marine biodiversity already in place;
Monitoring and control of the endangered and threatened species like Rizophora Mangal, and Racinosa, Avicennia Germinans or sea turtles
Improvement in qualification of human resources, necessary to ensure the quality of research;

Specific research actions
1. Short-term:
  1. Interdisciplinary field work with cartographic support;
2. Medium-term:

Carry out an integrated study of the Northern area, including:

Distribution of mangroves

Reasons for the toxicity and degradation of mangroves, including a study of the chemical dynamic in the area;
Inventories of plant and animal species;
Large-scale biodiversity mapping of specific areas (estuaries, lagoons, etc);
Coastal erosion, including
1. Relative evolution of the coastline;
2. Erosion, supply and accumulation areas;
3. Consequences and effects on the ecosystem;
Creation of a data bank:
1. Cartography;
2. Thematic maps;

Long term
1. Implementation of an interdisciplinary monitoring plan;

Annexes

Annex I: Agenda

Venue: Talatona Convention Centre, Luanda, Angola

Day 1: 2006/10/02

09:00 Registration of the participants

10:00 Welcoming Remarks by Dr. Francisca Pires Delgado, General Director of the National Institute for Fisheries Research (INIP)

10:10 Introduction by Dr. Nkosi Luyeye, Coordinator of the AF Workshop

10:20 Opening Address

BCLME Representative, Dr. Mick O´Toole

GCLME Representative

Rector of the University Agostinho Neto

10:45 Opening Remarks by the Honourable Vice-Minister of Fisheries of Angola, Dr. Victória de Barros Neto

11:00 Coffee Break

10:30 Panel Presentations

Panel 1: Environment

Panel 2: Living Resources

13:00 Lunch break

14:00 Presentations

Panel 3: Management, Social and Economic Issues

15:30 Coffee Break

15:45 Presentations

Panel 4: Non-Living Resources and Oil Exploration Area

17:30 Closure of the day

Day 2: 2006/10/03

09:00 Working group activities

10:30 Coffee Break

11:00 Working group activities

13:00 Lunch break

14:00 Plenary

15:30 Coffee Break

15:45 Adoption of final declaration

17:30 Closure Remarks by Dr. Sita José, Minister of Urbanism and Environment of Angola

18:30 – 20:30 Cocktail

Annex II: List of participants and invited personalities

The list of participants is organised by Institution, for participants representing Angolan Institutions, and by Country, for participants from foreign countries. Not all invited personalities could really attend the workshop, but most have sent representatives acting on their behalf.

Oil Ministry

Honourable Minister, Desidério Costa;

Honourable Deputy Minister, Aníbal Silva

Amadeu Azevedo

Manuel Xavier

Helena Santos

Ema Gomes

Hersília Gourgel

Ministry of Urbanism and Environment

Honourable Minister, Sita José;

Honourable Deputy Minister, Graciano Domingos

Honourable Deputy Minister, Carla Ribeiro

João Vintém

Carlos Santos

Soki Kuedikuenda

Maria Paulina

Kiala Miranda

Vladimir Russo

Ministry of Fisheries

Honourable Minister, Salomão Xirimbimbi;

Honourable Deputy Minister, Victória de Barros Neto

Honourable Deputy Minister, Pedro João

Maria Antónia Dolores Rosário

António Domingos da Silva

Moisés Longui

Miguel André

Júlia Airosa

Isabel Cristóvão

Antónia Nelumba

António Palhares

Merville Martins

Claudete Sousa

Manuel Mateus

Filomena Cruz

Filomena da Mata

Adriano Mendes de Carvalho

Manuel Ferreira

Manuela Kwaba

Liliana Sebastião

Dielobaka N´dombele

Júlio Soares Lopes

Bandeira Júnior

Verónica Naculua

Eduardo Silva

Xavier Monteiro

Francisca Delgado

N´Kosi Luyeye

Carlos Assis

Domingas Paim

Kumbi Kilongo

Quilanda Fidel

Filomena Vaz-Velho

Bomba Basika

Esperança Pires

Domingos Neto

Silvie Edite N´Siangango

Lia Sousa

Pedro Tchipalanga

António Barradas

Filipe Vianda

Isabel Rangel

Henrieth Silulu

Agostinho Domingos Caholo Duarte

Angélica Augusto

Pedro Afonso Kingombo

Ministry of Interior

Ekuiki Alfredo

Madalena Gamboa

Francisco Firmino

Ministry of Transport

Representatives for

UNICARGAS

MAERSK

NDS

Cabinda Provincial Government

Governor, Aníbal Rocha

Deputy Governor, João Santos de Carvalho Mesquita

Deputy Governor, Feliciano Lopes Toco

Alector Araujo

Daniel Luemba

Alfredo Buza

Zaire Provincial Government

Governor, Pedro Sebastião

Deputy Governor, Simão Helena

Luanda Provincial Government

Governor, Job Capapinha

Deputy Governor, Francisca Espírito Santo

Deputy Governor, Bento Soito

Bengo Provincial Government

Governor, Jorge Inácio Dombolo

Luanda Harbour

Captain of the Luanda Harbour

Agostinho Neto University (UAN)

Rector, João Teta

Vice-rector, Esperança Costa

Vice-rector, Suzanete Costa

Orlando da Mata

Maria Luisa Morais

Maria Augusta Martins

Joaquim Boavida

Heitor Timóteo

Francisca Monteiro

Secure

Miguel Morais

Esteves Afonso

Natural History Museum

Ana Paula Victor

National Meteorological Institute (INAMET)

Gualberto João

BCLME

Michael O'Toole

Maria Lourdes Sardinha

Lesley Staegemann

Frikkie Botes

BENEFIT

Neville Sweijd

GCLME

Chidi Ibe

Chika Ukwe

Emmanuel Ajao

Representative from Equatorial Guinea

Representative from São Tomé e Príncipe

Representative from the Republic of Congo

Representative from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Representative from Gabon

Representative from the Republic of Nigeria

Namibia

Honourable Permanent Secretary Nangula Mbako

Moses Maurihungirire

Norway

Bjorn Axelsen

Bjorn Serigstad

Gisle Vassenden

Marek Ostrowski

Tore Stromme

Gabriella Bianchi

Republic of South Africa

Pat Morant

Carl Van der Lingen

Monde Mayakiso

Johan Augustyn

M. Rouault

P. Florrenchie

Portugal

Pedro de Barros

Democratic Republic of Congo

Roger Beaumont

François Raux

Louis Hannecart

Matthieu Mongolu Bongu

Republic of Congo

Eric Faillenet

Jean-Marc

Eric Iwochewitsch

Equatorial Guinea

The Honourable Ambassador

United Nations Angola

3 Representatives

Global Environmental Facility - Angola

Armindo Gomes da Silva

BP Angola

José Patrício

Jorge Leon

Maria José Martins

Chevron Angola

James Blackwell

Fernando Paiva

Tavares Rodrigues

Andrew Glickman

Gary Wollinsky

Jennifer

CNR

Peter Owens

Helder Silva

Devon

Arlindo Alves

Eni Angola

Luigi Piro

Esso

Terry McPhail

Galp Energia

Fernando Guimarães

Hidroportos

Carlos Teixeira

Norsk Hydro

Jan Skogen

Odebrecht

Luíz António Mameri

Petrobrás Angola

Hércules da Silva

Total E&P Angola

Philippe Bouzet

Patricia Cruz

Olivier de Langavant

Sonangol Group

Manuel D. Vicente

Vicente Inácio

Isabel Policarpo

Garcia Sozinho

José de Sousa

António dos Santos Domingos

Gaspar Martins

Ernesto Domingos

Statoil

Helge Boge

Annex III: Speeches delivered at the opening and closing sessions

Welcoming address, by the General Director of INIP

Suas Excias Senhores Ministros das Pescas, do Ambiente e dos Petróleos

Suas Excias Senhores Governadores das Províncias de Cabinda e de Luanda

Suas Excias Senhores Directores das diferentes companhias petrolíferas

Estimados representantes do PNUD e ONUDI

Estimados Directores nacionais dos diferentes Ministérios

Estimados Directores dos Programas regionais BCLME, GCLME e BENEFIT

Estimados colegas,

Minhas Senhoras e meus Senhores

Permitam-me agradecer por terem acedido ao nosso convite para participar nesta reunião de trabalho, que se debruçará sobre a avaliação da estrutura e funcionamento da zona da Frente de Angola (AF) e assuntos relacionados à exploração de recursos naturais nesta zona.

O INIP, como instituição responsável pela investigação dos recursos vivos e do Ambiente Marinho em Angola, tem desde a sua criação procurado o aumento do conhecimento sobre o sistema marinho de Angola, com especial ênfase nos recursos vivos e na sua exploração. De facto, são múltiplas as actividades que se desenvolvem no Mar e na Zona Costeira, incluindo a Pesca, a Exploração de Recursos Minerais (com especial ênfase na exploração petrolífera) e o Turismo. É necessário, cada vez mais, conciliar os interesses das diferentes utilizações desta zona, mas é dos recursos vivos que depende a nossa sobrevivência enquanto seres vivos, pelo que a saúde dos mananciais e do ambiente têm sempre de ser as balizas, os limites, pelos quais se regem as restantes actividades humanas.

Para que Angola possa utilizar da melhor forma os recursos vivos e não-vivos, e sobretudo para que esta exploração se possa fazer sem pôr em causa os direitos das gerações futuras, é essencial uma investigação de qualidade, de que o INIP é, em Angola, o principal responsável. De facto, o INIP, como instituição pública responsável pela investigação do Mar e das Pescas e do aconselhamento à gestão, investe fortemente no desenvolvimento da actividade de investigação, com um apoio importante dos seus parceiros internacionais.

No entanto, estamos conscientes de que a investigação marinha não pode nunca ser feita por uma só instituição, e que a cooperação científica, nacional e internacional, é essencial ao desenvolvimento científico, nesta área como noutras.

É por termos esta firme convicção que desde a primeira hora que o INIP foi um dos mais firmes apoiantes da criação e desenvolvimento dos programas Regionais BENEFIT, primeiro, BCLME, depois e finalmente GCLME, sempre numa perspectiva de colaboração com os países vizinhos e não só, na criação de uma rede de excelência na investigação que permita uma investigação cada vez mais forte e de melhor qualidade.

A zona da Frente de Angola, junto à fronteira Norte de Angola, e que agora é discutida nesta reunião de trabalho, é uma zona de grande importância ecológica para as pescas de todo o País, e também para outras áreas sócio-económicas, como a exploração petrolífera, principal responsável pela captação de divisas para Angola.

Esta é uma das zonas oceanograficamente mais interessantes de Angola, já que a conjugação do efeito da frente de Angola com a descarga do Rio Congo, uma das estruturas oceanograficas de maior relevância em toda a costa Oeste Africana, cria condições oceanográficas únicas nesta região, que se reflectem na distribuição dos recursos marinhos. É no entanto também uma das zonas marinhas de África de que pouco se conhece, devido tanto às dificuldades políticas de se encontrar numa zona de fronteira de vários países, como às dificuldades de encontrar meios e oportunidades para investigar esta região, mais afastada das zonas mais desenvolvidas do nosso continente.

A entrada em funcionamento pleno do BCLME, com a criação da Comissão da Corrente de Benguela, e o arranque do programa GCLME vêm alterar esta situação, criando as condições institucionais necessárias para um investimento de investigação apreciável nesta zona tão sensível e de tanta importância ecológica, económica, social e política. Grande parte dos problemas de investigação e gestão dos recursos e do Ambiente Marinho nesta região são na verdade problemas transfronteiriços, que não afectam somente um país, nem podem ser resolvidos por um país, mas que exigem a colaboração de muitos parceiros, empenhados na resolução dos problemas de investigação e gestão que os afectam a todos.

Neste sentido, estou segura de que a reunião que agora se inicia será com certeza uma contribuição essencial para a consolidação dos conhecimentos sobre esta região cuja importância para Angola não pode ser exagerada. A contribuição dos cientistas que têm vindo a estudar este sistema nos seus distintos ângulos irá seguramente combinar-se com os pontos de vista dos representantes dos diferentes Ministérios e empresas envolvidas na zona, assim como com os representantes dos países nossos vizinhos a norte, membros do GCLME, para produzir uma síntese do conhecimento que será com certeza bem utilizada pelos países e organizações da região.

Concluo referindo que a realização deste workshop é fruto do trabalho colaborativo entre os Ministério de Pescas, do Ambiente e Urbanismo e dos Petróleos e do Governo da Província de Cabinda , não esquecendo a cooperação entre os Países membros do programa BCLME e GCLME que tem funcionado como força motriz para a gestão sustentável dos ecossistemas. A todos, os meus profundos agradecimentos.

Opening address, by the Honourable Deputy Minister of Fisheries of Angola

Suas Excias Senhores Ministros do Ambiente e dos Petróleos

Suas Excias Senhores Governadores das Províncias de Cabinda e de Luanda

Suas Excias Senhores Directores das diferentes companhias petrolíferas

Estimados representantes do PNUD e ONUDI

Estimados Directores nacionais dos diferentes Ministérios

Estimados Directores dos Programas regionais BCLME, GCLME e BENEFIT

Minhas Senhoras e meus Senhores

Angola é rica em recursos vivos e não-vivos no Mar e na Zona Costeira, que têm contribuído para o estilo de vida das nossas populações desde tempos imemoriais. Os Recursos do Mar e da Zona Costeira são portanto um elemento essencial na estratégia do Governo de Angola para o desenvolvimento e recuperação económica essencial do nosso País. A sua gestão correcta, protegendo os interesses das gerações actuais e futuras, é portanto um assunto da máxima prioridade para o Governo em geral, e para o Ministério das Pescas em particular.

A importância destes recursos tem um peso particularmente elevado na zona da Frente de Angola, discutida nesta reunião. O sector das pescas tem um papel preponderante no bem-estar social da população desta região, pois é uma das principais fontes de proteína animal e de emprego, com a promoção do desenvolvimento da pesca artesanal. É também nesta região da frente de Angola que se desenvolve a maior parte da exploração de petróleo e gás que suporta a economia do país, representando mais de 80% das receitas do país, e a região tem ainda inegáveis potencialidades turísticas. Finalmente, o espaço marítimo da região é ainda utilizado por alguns dos corredores marítimos mais importantes que servem a região da África Austral e não só.

Ora, a multiplicidade de usos desta zona, e as suas inegáveis potencialidades nestes vários domínios, leva inevitavelmente a dificuldades na compatibilização dos diferentes usos, com um elevado potencial de conflitos entre os múltiplos utilizadores. Esta potencial conflitualidade, que foi já identificada como uma das principais características das zonas costeiras a nível mundial, é ainda exacerbada pelo facto de esta ser uma zona transfronteiriça, em que Angola tem de acautelar também as boas relações com as nações a Norte, o que aumenta a importância da boa gestão de todos os recursos e do Ambiente nesta região de grande interesse ecológico, económico, social e político. Não é de esquecer ainda que a retoma do desenvolvimento económico de Angola, após décadas de relativa estagnação devida à guerra que nos foi imposta, pode, se não fôr devidamente controlada, pôr em risco a saúde do ecossistema marinho, assim como das populações humanas nesta região, com prejuízos incalculáveis para as gerações futuras.

Por tudo o exposto, a gestão adequada de todos os recursos e do ambiente marinho e costeiro desta região são de excepcional importância para o governo da República de Angola, que não poupa esforços para conseguir a melhor utilização possível da região, em benefício da nação e das gerações presentes, sem comprometer os interesses das gerações futuras.

A Conferência de Joanesburgo, apoiada pelo Governo de Angola, definiu que os Recursos Marinhos deviam ser geridos de acordo com a melhor informação científica disponível, segundo uma Aproximação de Ecossistemas que considere as interacções e impactos dos diferentes usos do ecossistema, nomeadamente as Pescas, a Exploração Petrolífera, os Transportes e o Turismo. O Governo de Angola estabeleceu já que está absolutamente comprometido com a implementação da gestão dos ecossistemas com uma base científica, de acordo com estas recomendações.

Para atingir este objectivo de uma gestão adequada, é necessário dispôr da melhor informação científica sobre os ecossistemas e a sua exploração. A obtenção desta informação apenas é possível através de uma investigação de qualidade sobre os recursos e sistemas marinhos, responsabilidade em primeiro lugar do Instituto Nacional de Investigação Pesqueira, instituição do Ministério das Pescas que já atingiu um elevado nível de reconhecimento internacional, mas também dos nossos parceiros no desenvolvimento, incluindo todos os que aqui estão presentes, numa perspectiva multidisciplinar.

Neste sentido, a reunião que agora se inicia será com certeza uma contribuição essencial para a consolidação dos conhecimentos sobre esta região cuja importância para Angola não pode ser exagerada. A contribuição dos cientistas que têm vindo a estudar este sistema nos seus distintos ângulos irá seguramente combinar-se com os pontos de vista dos representantes dos diferentes Ministérios e empresas envolvidas na zona, assim como com os representantes dos países nossos vizinhos a norte, membros do GCLME, para produzir uma síntese do conhecimento que será com certeza bem utilizada pelos países e organizações da região.

Gostaria de agradecer o apoio sempre presente do Programa BCLME e também do GCLME, organizações internacionais em que Angola participa como membro de pleno direito, das Empresas Petrolíferas e dos nossos amigos da Noruega, com quem temos uma colaboração longa e já muito proveitosa.

Para terminar, desejo bons êxitos nos trabalhos e aos convidados desejo uma boa estadia em Luanda e para além das actividades reservem algum tempo para conhecer e desfrutar da cultura angolana.

Closing address, by the Director General of INIP

No fim destes dois dias de trabalho intenso, quero aproveitar a oportunidade para agradecer a todos os participantes a sua disponibilidade para tomar parte nesta workshop.

Os resultados apresentados demonstram o elevado nível técnico-científico de todos, e tornam mais uma vez evidente que o resultado do trabalho conjunto é mais do que a soma das partes.

É certo que o tempo foi curto, e que todos gostariam de ter realizado ainda mais, com um conjunto de resultados mais concretos e sobretudo mais elaborados. No entanto, esta workshop é um ponto de partida e não de chegada.

Estou certa de que neste momento todos estão mais conscientes de todas as actividades que os diferentes colegas estão a realizar, por seu lado, e sobretudo que estão entusiasmados com as oportunidades que se abrem com o alargamento da cooperação, entre as diferentes instituições de Angola e com os nossos colegas dos programas BCLME e GCLME.

As perspectivas que se abrem para a melhoria da gestão da região da frente de Angola, através do incremento do conhecimento científico são infinitas, tal como o Oceano que a abriga. Assim, desejo a todos que continuem o trabalho de cooperação que foi não iniciado, mas reforçado, nesta workshop. Pelo lado do INIP, reforço a nossa disponibilidade total para reforçar a cooperação nacional e regional, sempre com o objectivo de melhorar o conhecimento científico para uma gestão sustentável dos recursos naturais que partilhamos, e que temos a responsabilidade de gerir em nome dos nossos filhos e netos.

A todos, muito obrigada.

Annex IV: List of participants in the breakaway sessions

Theme session 1: Environment

Quilanda Fidel

Marek Ostrowski

Domingos Neto

Celso da Cunha

Gouveia da Silva Pedro

Roy van Ballegoyen

Neville Sweijd

Emmanuel Ajao

João Ramos

Domingas Paim

António José da Silva

Isabel Rangel

Kaarina Nkandi

Bomba Bazica Sangolay

Nascimento António

Theme session 2: Targeted Living Marine Resources

Graça d'Almeida

Johann Augustyn

Frikkie Botes

Rudi Cloete

Filomena da Mata

Pedro Afonso Kingombo

Filomena Vaz-Velho

Pedro de Barros

Theme session 3: Non-Targeted Living Resources

Alfredo Buza

Ana Lavres

António Barradas

Esperança de Carvalho

Esteves Afonso

Miguel Morais

Vladimir Russo

Theme session 4: Ecosystem and Conservation

Silvi Nsiangango

Maria Paulina Paulo

Lia Sousa

Francisca Monteiro

Maria Luisa Morais

Cirilo Cauxeiro

Theme session 5: Non-Living Marine Resources

Pat Morant

Maria José Martins

COMPOSIÇÃO: INDÚSTRIA PETROLÍFERA (MINPET + OPERADORES), CONSULTORES E INIP

Annex V: Presentations delivered during the workshop

List of presentations:

Opening session

Emmanuel Ajao, GCLME: The Way We Are! - A presentation on GCLME Project Implementation Status;

First panel – Environment

Quilanda Fidel – INIP, Angola: Oceanographic features of the Congo River Region;

António da Silva – BENEFIT Secretariat: Biological Oceanography in the AF;

Roy Van Ballegooyen – CSIR, South Africa: Congo River fluxes :Their influence on the estuary and adjacent coastal and offshore environments;

Second Panel – Living Marine Resources

Filomena Vaz-Velho & N'Kossi Luyeye – INIP, Angola: The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management;

Filomena Vaz-Velho & N'Kossi Luyeye – INIP, Angola: Assessment of Commercial Fisheries of Angola

Agostinho Duarte – IPA, Angola: Artisanal Fisheries

António Barradas, Guilherme Camarada (INIP), Esteves Afonso, Miguel Morais (FC-UAN): Non-Targeted Living Resources - – Angola

Silvi Nsiangango (INIP) and Maria Luisa Morais (FC-UAN): Ecosystem and Conservation Aspects;

Francisca Monteiro, FC-UAN: Mangroves of the Angola Front

Third Panel – Management, Social and Economic Issues

Carlos Santos, MinUA: Socio-Economic issues and related matters

Francisca Delgado, INIP: Fisheries Management and Socio-Economic Issues

Fourth Panel – Non-Living Resources and Oil Exploration Area

Helena André, MinPet: Exploration of Oil and Gas in Angola – Environmental protection

Maria José Martins – ACEPA: Biodiversity;

ACEPA: Atmospheric Emissions;

Gary Wolinsky, Chevron, Angola: Analysis of Ecological Risk of Offshore Oil and Gas Production: Cabinda Marine Environment Surveys

Armando Afonso – ACEPA: Overview on Readiness and Response Against Oil Spills in Angola

Patrícia Cruz, ACEPA: Waste Management – Regulatory obligations and new practices

Bjørn Serigstad & Gisle Vassenden, IMR, Norway: Progress on implementation of the offshore Environmental Monitoring Plan for Angola - Some preliminary results from the Nansen survey in April 2006.

Matthieu Mongolu Bongu – Univ. Kinshasa, D. R. Congo: Current status of natural resource exploitation in the coastal and marine areas of Congo D. R.