“Communities need to be empowered”: Catholic Official in Angola on Importance of Environmental Education

Luanda, 23 September, 2024 / 9:50 PM

The Director-General of MOSAIKO Institute for Citizenship, an entity of the Order of Preachers (OP) that is promoting human rights in Angola in Angola has called for increased efforts to educate citizens on environmental issues and raise awareness of urgent ecological challenges.

In a September 21 interview with ACI Africa, Br. Júlio Candeeiro noted that the protection of the environment starts with capacity building.

“Communities need to be empowered regarding the environment. Therefore, the work of organizations like MOSAIKO and the churches is to keep increasing people's environmental awareness,” Br. Júlio Candeeiro told ACI Africa.

Reflecting on the September 18-19 International Conference on the Environment that was held at the Catholic University of Angola, Br. Candeeiro underscored the need for environmental education, noting that “people need to understand that the environment has its own rights, and we, as human beings, have the right to live in a healthy environment.”

“People must realize the environment has its own rights, the earth has its rights, and we humans have the right to live in a healthy environment because we are part of nature,” Br. Candeeiro said.

He reiterated the importance of fostering environmental consciousness as part of human rights protection. 

“This awareness—that environmental rights are human rights—needs to be developed. Protecting the environment is defending human rights, and this consciousness must be cultivated,” he said.

Themed “The Planet on Fire: Rights and Extinction,” the September 18-19 conference brought together community leaders from across Angola, particularly those affected by intensive mining. International speakers such as Br. Rodrigo Pérez from Brazil and Zira from Mozambique also gave their addresses at the conference. 

Discussions were centered on both global and local environmental challenges, with a focus on how communities can resist environmentally harmful practices and promote eco-friendly alternatives.

Br. Candeeiro emphasized the need for more advocacy spaces that connect decision-makers with local communities. 

He argued that “development is not just about material satisfaction,” adding that communities must have a “voice in decisions affecting their environment.”

Br. Candeeiro called for transparency and early consultation with communities regarding resource extraction projects.

He also highlighted the disconnect between centrally issued licenses for resource extraction and local governance. 

“We heard testimonies of how central authorities often grant licenses without consulting local or traditional authorities, leading to significant discontent and environmental harm,” he said.