On November 20, 2024, the Maputo Environmental Protection Area (Maputo EPA) received a delegation from the Embassy of Sweden, led by Karin Andersson, Head of Cooperation. The visit took place within the framework of the Biodiversity Conservation Programme, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA-Sweden) and coordinated by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND).

The main objective was to monitor ongoing activities, such as the creation of the Muwai Community Conservation Area (Muwai CCA), and to assess initiatives that promote sustainable development and mitigate conflicts between communities and wildlife. Among the proposals highlighted was the installation of an electric fence funded by the programme, scheduled to begin in February 2025 and expected to be completed within six months. The project will benefit the communities of Chia, Machia, Mussongue, Madjedjane, Huco and Massale.

During the visit, representatives from BIOFUND, ANAC, Maputo EPA, the Futhi Corridor Community Association and Conserve Global accompanied the Swedish delegation, which also visited the site where the new headquarters of the Maputo EPA will be built. The Administrator of the Maputo EPA, Luís Buchir, presented details of ongoing initiatives, such as the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), community-based natural resource management actions, environmental education programmes and biodiversity monitoring.

Local communities expressed their gratitude for the support of SIDA-Sweden, highlighting the positive impact of the programme in the region. Activities such as the selection and training of community members and the clearing of the perimeter for the future fence are already underway.

The Maputo EPA, created by Decree No. 103/2019, covers the district of Matutuíne and Inhaca Island, promoting sustainable use and biodiversity conservation in an area rich in natural and cultural heritage. It is one of the seven areas benefiting from the Biodiversity Conservation Programme.