Angola and Namibia have agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding for the setting up of the Trans- frontier Conservation Area (TFCA) of Iona/Skeleton Coast, to respond to the need of jointly managing and conserving the resources and ecosystems of national game reserves.

According to Angola Press Agency ANGOP on Monday, the decision of the Angolan Cabinet Council, that shows its approval and refers that the proposal aimed at developing a legal framework favorable to the creation of the referred TFCA, as well as the elaboration of the treaty for the organization's setting up.

The cabinet shows that the memorandum enters into force after notifying the sides, with it being valid for two years, and capable of extending to one more. Its validity expires, automatically, after the adoption of the Treaty on the Transfrontier Conservation Area.

It shows that the intention is contributing for development through improvement and efficient management of protected areas, in both countries, recognizing the principle of sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of the States, apart from the legal right of all local communities in the Iona Park region, in Angola, and of Skeleton Coast, in Namibia.

Besides adhering to various treaties of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), of which both countries are members, the States also signed the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), also known as the "Washington Convention," and the Convention on Biodiversity.

(Xinhua News Agency October 10, 2006)