Mozambique Program for Conservation Leadership (MPCL)

In recent years the need to respond to the challenges facing conservation in Mozambique has increased significantly. However, it should be noted that the technical and human capacity and financial resources in the national system of conservation areas are far from being enough.

BIOFUND’s main focus is to finance conservation in Mozambique via the raising of funds and directing of its financial support to Conservation programs, with the aim, among others, of developing the supported CA’s own capacity.

BIOFUND is also focused on creating an enabling environment  for conservation in Mozambique through: a) addressing relevant issues by awareness raising society in general and youth in particular; (b) dissemination of biodiversity knowledge and establishment of dialogue and partnership with the private sector; c) attracting and retaining young professionals in the conservation sector.

MPCL (Mozambique Program for Conservation Leadership) is a five-year, USD 2.4 M program within the MozBio 2 Project (funded by the World Bank / IDA) for 2019-2023. This initiative is a unique opportunity in the country to strengthen the capacity and skills of professionals in the National System of Conservation Areas (SNAC) and shape the profile of future conservation leaders in Mozambique. The responsibility for Its implementation has been entrusted to BIOFUND.

This program has started in 2019 with funds from the World Bank / IDA, but aims to expand the number of financiers and donors, with additional fundraising being foreseen within the program components.

This program is intended to be comprehensive and effective in the long term. Quality training requires a serious investment (travel to study or internship, student accommodation, academic and tuition fees, health and travel insurance, student accommodation funds, purchase of books and other materials, etc.) for medium to long term periods.

In addition to these thematic areas, the MPCL Program also intends to award a prize that will distinguish individuals or teams from among the beneficiaries of the program, as well as other individuals who stand out in the development of actions in defence of conservation. It is hoped that this award can encourage the involvement of beneficiaries and other partners and personalities to improve the conservation environment.

To ensure that the candidate selection process is transparent and inclusive, the MPCL envisages the creation of multidisciplinary selection committees (composed of a range of diverse actors including: ANAC, BIOFUND, Academics, Co-Managers, and the Private Sector, among others).

In order to provide the MPCL with a governance structure and to ensure the legitimacy of the program within its beneficiaries, funders, institutions and actors involved in the program and the wider community, the program has set up a Steering Committee (CD).

This entity oversees program monitoring and strategic decision making, as well as ensuring quality control of activities, results and impacts.

The Steering Committee consists of 12 permanent members and 4 permanent guests involving diverse institutions to ensure greater coverage and relevance of the program.