The closing session of the training on Planning and Financial Management, directed at technicians from Conservation Areas and the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), promoted by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND, took place today, 07 November 2025, in the City of Maputo.

The capacity-building programme, which began on 3 November, brought together 31 technicians from 14 Conservation Areas. Over five days, it covered topics such as financial planning, procurement procedures, budget execution, internal control, expense reconciliation, accountability, and administrative compliance.

Conducted by BIOFUND technicians Fenias Nhari and Celina Sitole, the training focused on practical and interactive approaches, allowing participants to apply concepts through simulations and group exercises.

“This training made it possible to strengthen the technicians’ confidence and improve their understanding of the financial processes that support proper project implementation. It was essential for each technician to understand the direct impact of their actions on institutional credibility and on the sound management of resources allocated to biodiversity,” highlighted the trainers.

During the closing session, BIOFUND’s Programmes Director, Alexandra Jorge, emphasised the importance of continuous training for the sustainability of conservation efforts.

“This continuous training is important for disseminating and socialising our financial procedures and for sharing experiences among the technicians of the National Conservation Areas System. We thank you for your participation and count on you to turn this knowledge into consistent and transparent practices in your daily work,” she said.

Participants also expressed satisfaction with the results of the training. For Maria Bernardo, Financial Technician at ANAC, “with this training it will be easier to reconcile daily activities and improve financial procedures, enabling more efficient execution of conservation actions.”

António Domingos, Technician from Chimanimani National Park, stated that “budget execution has been a major challenge due to shortcomings in procurement and financial procedures, and this training has clarified the processes for more effective and transparent implementation.”

This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts of BIOFUND and ANAC to strengthen the institutional capacity of the National Conservation Areas System, ensuring that funds allocated to biodiversity conservation are managed responsibly, transparently, and with technical rigour. The training is held annually to reinforce the capacities of the beneficiaries and implementers who work directly in the field on projects and activities supported by BIOFUND funds (originating from endowment income), as well as funds from donors such as the World Bank, the Swedish Government, the European Union, and the French Development Agency (AFD).