Participants at a Risk Modelling Workshop in Luanda, Angola

By Marco Masabo and Vanessa Buchot

31 August 2018, Luanda – Angola has committed to include disaster risk reduction in all investment decisions and development plans at a meeting in Luanda.

Speaking on behalf of H.E. Angelo de Barros Veiga Tavares, Minister of Interior and Coordinator for the National Commission Civil Protection (NCCP), H.E. Secretary of State, Hermenegildo José Félix, reaffirmed Angola’s strong commitment in institutionalizing disaster risk reduction and climate change at the national, regional and local levels.

“This country suffers from recurring natural hazards that create vulnerabilities," said  Mr. Felix. "Strengthening national capacity to manage human security and reduce exposure will mitigate the economic and social effects of disasters." 

The comments were made at a five-day Risk Modelling Workshop, hosted by the Government of Angola, with support from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the United Nations Country Team.

The event was attended by four Ministers and more than 50 senior officials from different line Ministries, including the National Authority for Civil Protection, and other national and international organizations involved in disaster risk reduction and climate change.

Mr Fernando explained that Angola is decentralizing at the provincial level through comprehensive plans with actions and funding allocations by sectors and highlighted projects such as including disaster risk reduction in school curricula, and risk awareness activities at the local level.

The CIMA Research Foundation and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction jointly facilitated the workshop which is implemented under the umbrella of the programme entitled “Building Disaster Resilience to Natural Hazards in Sub-Saharan African Regions, Countries and Communities”.