Luanda, Angola, 16 June – The World Environment Fund (WEF) is to finance projects in Angola related to the recovery of national parks and natural reserves with at least US$4 million in the 2009/2010 period, the Angolan minister for Urbanism and Planning said in Luanda Friday.

Speaking to journalists on his return from South Africa where he took part in an African ministers’ conference, Diekumpuna Sita José said that soon a delegation from the WEF and the World Bank would travel to Angola to outline, together with the Angolan government, the first projects to be carried out.

The minister added that amongst the priority projects were the recuperation of the national parks of Iona, in Cunene province, and cameia, in Moxico province, as well as the preservation of endangered species such as gorillas and chimpanzees in the Maiombe jungle.

Studies are already underway for the recovery of the national parks of Quissama, in Bengo province, and Bicauar (Huila) as well as conservation of the black antelope in Malanje province, which is funded by Spain. (macauhub)