On July 27 and 28, the 1st Edition of the Marine Biodiversity Conference was held at the Museum of the Sea in Maputo. The event was led by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), in collaboration with the Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries (MIMAIP), the Museum of the Sea, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Peace Parks Foundation (PPF), and the Italian Cooperation (AICS), with financial support from the Blue Action Fund, the Government of Sweden, the World Bank/Mozbio 2 Project, and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
Published at 03/08/2023
1st Edition of the Marine Biodiversity Conference Drives Action for Marine Conservation in Mozambique
The main objective of this initiative is to promote dissemination, discussion, and exchange of experiences on ecosystem-based adaptation and coastal and marine conservation in Mozambique. To this end, the event brought together more than 30 partners from various sectors, including government, civil society, academia, and the private sector, who shared their experiences over the two days of the conference.
BIOFUND, a Mozambican non-profit institution whose sole mission is the conservation of biodiversity in Mozambique, drew inspiration from its Biodiversity Exhibition concept to lead the design and implementation of this annual event, which will continue for five years. This concept, which has reached over 35,000 people since 2015, has been a relevant vehicle for environmental education, the dissemination of information about Mozambique’s rich biodiversity, and the promotion of conservation initiatives and multisectoral discussions.
Alongside the conference, a thematic exhibition was held from July 27 to August 2, focused on ecosystem-based adaptation and coastal and marine conservation. Comprising informative panels and photographs illustrating the diversity of marine species found along the Mozambican coast, the exhibition attracted around 470 visitors and featured a 3D visual experience of marine life provided by the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF).
Exhibition activities included environmental education workshops focused on material recycling, facilitated by the Redes de Luxu Association, where participants produced items such as necklaces, earrings, and bags. These activities involved 85 children, 54 students from the 25 de Junho Primary School in Maputo City and 31 students from the Saul Filipe Tembe Primary School in the Catembe Municipal District.
As a biodiversity conservation trust, BIOFUND stands ready to support these efforts and work in partnership towards the protection and conservation of Mozambique’s coastal and marine biodiversity. The foundation renewed its commitment to ensuring this platform for sharing knowledge and experiences over the next five years.
