Ecosystems of Southern Angola: Biodiversity, Inventorying, Socio-Ecological Dynamics, and Conservation Strategies

Abstract

The country's biodiversity is considered one of the richest and most diverse, yet it remains one of the least explored and documented in the southern region of the continent, while also facing major challenges related to the exploitation and proper management of natural resources. Over the last 15 years, there has been a notable increase in scientific production regarding national biodiversity, with particular emphasis on the southern region of Angola. This progress stems from institutional efforts focused on human capital development, specifically through the establishment of postgraduate programs in the fields of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, and Biodiversity and Conservation at major higher education institutions. This initiative has yielded high-quality research covering various topics, ranging from biodiversity inventorying and monitoring to management and conservation. The scientific articles evaluated and selected for this edition are mostly derived from dissertations belonging to the 2nd Edition of the Master’s Degree in Ecology and Natural Resource Management, taught at ISCED-Huíla since 2018. Additionally, this special issue features scientific articles developed by researchers affiliated with ISCED-Huíla's research centers, representing a genuine exercise in scientific initiation for them.