Malanje, - The Angolan government is studying mechanisms aimed at  protecting the Giant Sable Antelope and preserving its habitat at the Cangandala National  Park, in northern Malanje Province, ANGOP has learnt.

The initiative comprises public and private partnerships in the light of a project under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment, through the National Department of Bio-diversity.

Last Wednesday in Cangandala, a memorandum of understanding for protecting the animal  was signed between the abovementioned ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Armed Forces, government of Malanje Province, as well as the Catholic  University and the public Agostinho Neto University.

The "Esso Angola" and "Total Angola" multinational oil firms are also partners of this memorandum for the protection of this rare animal species.

The memorandum is part of a project that will last three years and will comprise the natural  integrated reserve of Luando, which is also under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment, through the National Department of Bio-diversity.

The project includes the taking of measures and creation of conditions for the protection and preservation of the animal, through an integrated management model and the holding of  scientific research programmes, for a better knowledge of the Sable Antelope's habitat, with  the inclusion of local communities in the programme of the Cangandala Natural Park and  Luando reserve.