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Rough Translation: Luanda, 1 August 1996 I have attentively followed the initiatives of the Kissama Foundation whose mission is the rehabilitation of the Quiçama National Park and other national parks, with the purpose to contribute to the conservation and rehabilitation of Angolan species of fauna on the brink of extinction or close to disappearing, due to the war that ravaged the country and left the parks in this condition. For such a worthy mission, I accepted the invitation extended to me to be the patron of the Foundation and declare it is a pleasure to deal with a organization to which distinguished international figures, who are certainly interested in this great project, are associated and whose prestige will contribute much to the success of the initiatives that are to be implemented. The planned operation "Noah’s Ark" that will see the reintroduction of wild species from southern Africa and the Republic of South Africa, presents a laudable initiative to which I give my full support. In reality the Angolan State faces at the moment not only huge responsibilities resulting from the application of the Peace Protocol and all the tasks resulting from that, like the repositioning of the State Administration throughout the whole territory, the social reintroduction of demobilized soldiers and the relocation of displaced people to their original areas, but also an unprecedented economic crisis. For this reason, the rehabilitation of our Parks will only be carried out at a later stage. From this we are in agreement that only with the financial and material input of society, and national and international organizations and bodies, will it be possible to go ahead with the present initiative. The Republic of Angola expresses its gratitude to all those willing to grant their support. José Eduardo dos Santos |
José Eduardo dos Santos giving his speech at the official opening of the park
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