Portugal. Br medal 1885, Lisbon Geographic Society, dedicated to the explorers Capello and Ivens

In 1875, Luciano Cordeiro founded the Lisbon Geography Society, bringing together an intellectual, civil and military elite. Although its action was not directed exclusively to the African continent, in the early years of its existence it created the Portuguese National Commission for the Exploration and Civilization of Africa, better known as the Commission of Africa which assumed the function of awakening public opinion to overseas issues and which prepared the first major expeditions of scientific-geographical exploration,  funding by national subscription, thus contributing to the definition of a Portuguese colonial policy in Africa. These expeditions were intended to recognize the Cuango and its relations with Zaire, and also to compare the river`s river basin with that of the Zambezi, thus concluding the southern central African charter, the famous Pink Map. Despite its fundamental role in defending the Portuguese position in Africa, in the face of the European expansionist movement, the Lisbon Geography Society emerged late, with regard to the creation of homologous societies in the other countries of Europe. These expeditions are part of a political context marked by a strong European expansionist surge in the areas of the African continent, which anticipate the historic Berlin Conference, held in 1885. Explorers of all major European powers launched into a real rivalry for prospecting territories, forcing Portugal to urgently review its colonial policy and to effect its presence in these places, but the Portuguese claims of occupation of space between Angola and Mozambique clashed with English pretensions, which materialized in the consequent claim of this zone to the English empire through the British Ultimatum to Portugal. Brito Capelo, when he was staying in Angola, made the scientific recognition of that area, which made him chosen, by Decree of May 11, 1877, to direct a scientific expedition to Central Africa, which also included the navy officer Roberto Ivens and army major Serpa Pinto. According to the decree, the territories between the provinces of Angola and Mozambique have been appointed `to commake and direct the expedition that will be explored in the interests of science and civilization