CONSERVATION OF ANGIOSPERMS IN THE URBAN AREA OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF UÍGE, ANGOLA: A LITERATURE REVIEW.

Abstract

The Province of Uíge, in northwestern Angola, is recognized for its vast biodiversity, located in a transition zone between dense forest and savanna. However, disordered urbanization and demographic growth have led to the replacement of native angiosperms with exotic species and urban infrastructure. This bibliographic review article analyzes the conservation status of angiosperms in the urban area of Uíge, based on a qualitative and exploratory approach. The research reveals that the Fabaceae and Rubiaceae families are the most representative but face critical threats such as horizontal housing expansion and the felling of woody specimens for charcoal production. Although Law No. 5/98 (Framework Law on the Environment) establishes the protection of flora, its practical application is hampered by the gap in municipal inspection and the lack of detailed taxonomic inventories. The results highlight the vital role of traditional backyards as ex situ conservation units. It is concluded that the urban sustainability of the municipality depends on the implementation of green infrastructures, remote sensing monitoring, and the integration of botanical biodiversity into territorial planning to mitigate irreversible ecological impoverishment.