World Environment Day 2025: Catholic Official in Angola Calls for Immediate Action to “avoid irreversible damage”

“Angola needs a strategy to reduce its emissions and must invest in renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices,” Mr. Bento said.

A key area of concern, he pointed out, was deforestation, particularly in Angola’s Miombo forests, which he described as “essential to the ecological balance of southern Africa.”

“These forests, covering much of Angola, are being systematically destroyed by illegal logging, harmful farming practices, and urban expansion. The destruction of the Miombo forests not only harms biodiversity but also contributes to increased carbon emissions, as trees play a vital role in absorbing atmospheric carbon,” Mr. Bento lamented.

He called for stronger forest protection policies and the promotion of agroforestry, which he described as “a dual solution to preserve forests and enhance rural livelihoods.”

“Losing the Miombo forest worsens global climate conditions and deepens poverty among local communities who rely on the forest for survival. It is urgent to implement conservation policies and promote sustainable agricultural systems, like agroforestry, which protect forests while improving living conditions,” he said.

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Mr. Bento, who is part of a CEAST delegation currently visiting mining zones in eastern Angola, sounded the alarm over the environmental destruction caused by diamond and mineral extraction in regions such as Ágiges, Lucapa, Luele, Cuango, and Cafunfo.

“Mining has led to the contamination of rivers, the destruction of natural habitats, and the displacement of communities. These activities deepen poverty and increase food insecurity,” the CJP official said.

He accused mining companies of poor environmental practices, such as reinjecting polluted water into rivers and leaving hazardous open pits, which pose long-term risks to both humans and ecosystems.

“The environmental degradation from mining threatens not just today, but future generations who may face water shortages and loss of biodiversity,” Mr. Bento said.

He called on the Angolan government to enforce stricter environmental regulations and ensure companies are held accountable for the damage they cause.

In the June 5 interview, Mr. Bento also expressed concern about unchecked urbanization, which has led to the loss of green spaces, increased pollution, and rising greenhouse gas emissions.

“Urban growth must be accompanied by public policies that promote green infrastructure, smart waste management, and environmental planning. Cities should be designed to be more sustainable and liveable,” he said.

Mr. Bento encouraged local authorities to implement solutions like renewable energy adoption and sustainable urban mobility systems.

He emphasized that members of the civil society, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), ecological movements, and citizens have a crucial role to play in pressuring decision makers to adopt green policies. 

“Ultimately, the actions we take today will shape the future of our planet. The responsibility is collective. Every individual and institutional choice matters in avoiding environmental disaster and securing a liveable world for generations to come,” the head of the Environmental Department of CJP of CEAST told ACI Africa on June 5.

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Established in 1972 by the United Nations during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 since 1973, when it was first marked under the theme, "Only One Earth". The 2025 event has focused on ending plastic pollution.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.