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Updated at 06/11/2025


What is the PLCM?

The Mozambique Conservation Leadership Program (PLCM) is a long-term initiative by BIOFUND, designed to contribute to the transformation of the conservation sector in Mozambique. The program focuses on three core pillars:

  1. Capacity building and professional training for human resources within the National Network of Conservation Areas (RNAC);
  2. Attracting and empowering young talent, from diverse academic backgrounds, with an emphasis on leadership development for conservation;
  3. Environmental citizenship education, encouraging stronger public engagement in biodiversity conservation.

Launched in 2019 as part of the Mozbio2 Project (2019–2024), funded by the World Bank, the PLCM was created to address certain capacity in the conservation sector. Early results—most notably the integration of professionals into the RNAC—highlighted the importance of continuing and scaling the initiative.

This success has attracted additional funding and partners, including:

  • MozNorte and MozRural Projects (2022–2026), funded by the World Bank;
  • Biodiversity Conservation Program (2023–2027), supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA);
  • Coastal Livelihoods and Climate Resilience – CLCR Project (2024–2030), funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the United States under Compact 2.

The PLCM has a multidisciplinary approach, and it is implemented by BIOFUND in partnership with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) and the National Employment Institute (INEP).

Between 2019 and 2025, the program has achieved all provinces of Mozambique, providing nearly 736 interns to conservation institutions, partnering with over 40 public and private organizations, 50 master’s scholarships for young Mozambicans and reaching more than 32,000 people through outreach and environmental awareness initiatives.

PLCM in numbers 2019-2025

Component 1

302

Professionals from the National System of Conservation Units trained

Beneficiaries by gender

22%

78%

Component 2

412

Young people receiving scholarships for master’s degrees and internships.

Beneficiaries by gender

47%

53%

Component 3

32075

Young people involved in environmental awareness campaigns.

Global Budget

3,500,000.00 USD

165

Recipients of scholarships for vocational technical education.

Beneficiaries by gender

61%

39%

Program Components

Component 1

Capacity Building and Training of RNAC Professionals

This component seeks to strengthen the skills and professional profile of individuals working in conservation, improving the effectiveness and sustainability of Conservation Areas management.

Led by ANAC, in coordination with BIOFUND, activities include:

  • Short- and long-term training programs;
  • Professional exchange initiatives;
  • Funding for applied research.

Component 2

Youth Engagement and Career Development in Conservation

This component focuses on mobilizing and engaging qualified young people, encouraging them to pursue careers in conservation.

Implemented in partnership with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) and the National Institute of Employment (INEP), in coordination with public and private Conservation Areas, government institutions, the private sector, Civil Society Organizations, and other entities working in biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
These institutions host the program beneficiaries, integrating them into their action plans through:

  • Pre-professional internships.
  • Post-internship support programs.
  • Exchange opportunities; and
  • Participation in research programs.

Beneficiary institutions incorporate interns into their action plans, ensuring practical experience and integration into the conservation system.

Component 3

Environmental Citizenship Education

Aimed at developing informed, critical, and engaged citizens, this component focuses on raising awareness of the connection between society and the environment, fostering a culture of inclusive and active conservation.

It creates synergies with strategic partners and platforms to disseminate knowledge about biodiversity through:

  • Environmental awareness campaigns in schools and institutions;
  • Development of tools and training for environmental education;
  • Promotion of citizen science related to biodiversity;
  • Organization of public awareness events.

Scholarships

The PLCM manages a scholarship program in technical and vocational education, aligned with the conservation and natural resource management objectives of the MozNorte and MozRural projects.

Implemented with key partners such as:

  • WWF, in the Primeiras and Segundas Environmental Protection Area (APAIPS);
  • WCS, in the Niassa Special Reserve;
  • Mágoè National Park (Tete Province);
  • Zumbo Community Conservation Area (Tete Province);
  • Chipange Chetu Community Conservation Program (Niassa Province).

This initiative aims to create opportunities and sustainable alternatives for youth in communities near conservation areas, helping to reduce pressure on natural resources and promote sustainable livelihoods.

PLCM Steering Committee

To ensure strong, transparent, and inclusive governance, the PLCM is guided by a Steering Committee (SC) that reflects the interests of beneficiaries, funders, partner institutions, and civil society.

The committee’s main responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing program implementation;
  • Making strategic decisions;
  • Ensuring the quality and impact of program activities.

Meeting twice a year, the SC consists of 10 permanent members and 4 permanent observers, representing a diverse set of reference institutions to ensure legitimacy, inclusivity, and strategic alignment.

Steering Committee Members

  • Alexandra Jorge

BIOFUND President

  • Aurora Malene

Gorongosa

  • Carla Rombe

IUCN

  • Valério Macandza

UEM

  • Marla Mujovo

Unizambeze

Representative of IFPELAC

  • Ivandro Sitoi

FDC

  • Mohamed Harun

ANAC

  • Pacheco Faria

AMOS

  • Marcelino Caravela

Unilúrio

Permanent Observers

  • Manuel Mutimucuio

World Bank

  • Madyo Couto

Independent Consultant

  • Camila de Sousa

Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique

  • Frida Rhode

SIDA

  • Luís Buchir

APA Maputo

Announcements

No announcements

News

Learn more about the profile of our beneficiaries.

Donors

Implementer

Partners

The Mozambique Conservation Leadership Program – PLCM

For more information, access the program’s database at PLCM biofund.org.mz

In case of any complaint or grievance about the program contacte-nos