The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), in partnership with the Government of Mozambique through the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), officially launched on August 7 the activities of the Rural Resilience Project in Northern Mozambique (MozNorte) for the Niassa Special Reserve and Block L4E. The ceremony, chaired by Jornito Muemede, Director of the Provincial Environment Services, was attended by 47 participants, including representatives from the Provincial and District Government, civil society and community leaders.

The MozNorte Project, financed by the World Bank (IDA), will be implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) until June 2026, and its main objective is to improve access to livelihood opportunities for vulnerable communities and promote the sustainable management of natural resources in rural areas of Mozambique. Planned activities include the preparation and training of Natural Resource Management Committees (CGRN), as well as the development of new infrastructure, namely the construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges, which are essential for conservation operations and community governance. Additionally, the project foresees the establishment of a canine unit at the airports of Nacala and Pemba, with the aim of strengthening control and preventing the trafficking and illegal trade of trophies resulting from poaching.

During the event, the community expressed its support for the initiative, committing to collaborate in the management of natural resources, monitor the impacts of the project and promote coexistence between the population and wildlife.

Aníbal dos Anjos, the project coordinator at ANAC level, highlighted the importance of these actions for the success of the project and the protection of natural resources. Meanwhile, Alexandre Milice, coordinator and representative of BIOFUND, explained BIOFUND’s role in managing the Niassa Special Reserve, as well as in the process of mobilising and channelling financial resources for the implementation of the project.

The Administrator of the Mecula district, António Joaquim Paulo, stressed the need for coordination among all involved parties, reaffirming the commitment of the local government to support all project activities and initiatives, and appealed to the Mecula community to actively participate in the successful conservation of natural resources.