Lack of data hinders fight against environmental crimes in Angola, says environmentalist

Angola confronts significant environmental challenges, with the government having pledged adherence to international agreements like the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment. These commitments aim to eliminate hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2030 and decrease hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 80% by 2045. Nevertheless, climate crises such as prolonged droughts, soil erosion, and heavy rain-induced floods continue to inflict substantial social and economic repercussions.

Approximately 2.2 million individuals are adversely affected by these phenomena. In this context, the emerging voices of young Angolan environmentalists are becoming increasingly influential. Érica Tavares, a 29-year-old environmentalist, exemplifies this trend. Tavares, who completed her Environmental Biology studies at the University of Nottingham in the UK, currently works in environmental conservation and youth mobilization within Angola.

She is co-founder of the NGO EcoAngola and has been instrumental in forest advocacy, environmental education, and youth involvement in sustainability conversations.

In a discussion with Mongabay Brazil, Tavares speaks about her experiences as an environmentalist and her primary concerns. When asked to assess the environmental state in Angola in 2026, Tavares admits that answering this question accurately is challenging due to the lack of data and information, a hurdle she often encounters. She emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive data analysis for a comparative assessment between the present situation and conditions five years prior.