(report from Roland on 11 January 2009)

Dear Vance,

Great speaking to you this morning and looking forward to further information with regard to my proposed trip to United States. Please find information requested regarding to update of game populations in the Park and other developments during the course of 2008.

As you are aware, animals were flown into Qissama National Park in the years 2000 / 2001, in a project known as “Operation Noah’s Ark”, which the Wild Foundation was a major contributor.

Animal

Number introduced (2001)

To date Number (2008)

Elephant

35

55

Eland

8

140

Giraffe

4

11

Kudu

15

50

Wildebeest

15

45

Zebra

15

45

Ostrich

11

15

Since my arrival in the Park in March 2002 and introduction and implementation of anti-poaching techniques and patrols, none of the introduced animals have been poached. Considering the circumstances resulting in the aftermath of the civil war, this is indeed a remarkable feat.

Training of ex-military personnel

Your donation of a Toyota Land Cruiser to help us patrol and to deploy guards was a remarkable boost to our effectiveness, and it is being fully utilized. Since then it seems that things are accelerating. Recently through contacts with the German development agency, GTZ, a project has been initiated to train ex-combatants of the Angolan army as park managers and field rangers for all national parks in Angola. Two courses were successfully conducted during the latter course of 2008 for 40 students. Funding for the rehabilitation of old buildings in the park as a training centre and necessary equipment to operate same, has been received. All the equipment, vehicles, radio communication systems, uniforms, furniture, stationary etc. was purchased and delivered to Qissama National Park and is being managed and stored under the supervision of Qissama staff.

Ministry of Environment

Fatima Jardim was appointed Minister of Environment following the 5 September 2008 elections and she has already resolved the long-standing legal issues which existed between the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture from time of independence in 1975. She was present at the first “passing out” parade of the training of the ex-military combatants into field rangers and park managers. She is actively encouraging civilian Angolans to participate in conservation activities and has featured in a number of Angolan press releases. (Investigate Google search on Qissama National Park.)

Best regards and a prosperous 2009 to you and Maggie.

Roland
Park Director

View a map of Kissama National Park >

View images of the relocation >

Read more about WILD’s involvment in Kissama>

Share This