On 25 and 26 November 2024, the city of Maputo hosted the closing ceremony of the MozBio 2 Project, called “Voices of the Earth”. The event, promoted by the National Sustainable Development Fund (FNDS) in partnership with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), brought together 250 participants and highlighted some of the achievements and lessons learned from the project.

The purpose of the event was to share lessons learned and promote dialogue on the relationship between people and nature, establishing a knowledge base to guide future interventions. Members of communities from the Marromeu National Reserve, Chimanimani National Park, and Maputo National Park—main Conservation Areas benefiting from the project—took part.

In his opening remarks, Madyo Couto, project coordinator for FNDS, stated:

“This Project was created with the goal of improving the relationship between people and nature. Together with ANAC, we designed a Programme that could help improve the management of natural resources and the living conditions of people living within and around the CAs. We held this event to address nature and people in an engaging way, bringing the different voices of charcoal makers, farmers, fishers, and the community at large, who are on the front line of the relationship with nature, to share first-hand their experiences and ideas about nature and its management.”

Fátima Amade, representing BIOFUND, highlighted:

“BIOFUND listened to the ‘voices of the earth’ and organised itself to continue supporting Conservation Areas, creating space for the continuity of support to the educa+ scholarship holders. BIOFUND is proud to have been part of this project and will continue to support initiatives that promote biodiversity conservation and the improvement of community livelihoods.”

The event included a fair showcasing products and services from communities and project partners, as well as a biodiversity exhibition promoted by BIOFUND. Some of the programmes funded by MozBio 2 through BIOFUND, such as the PLCM and Biodiversity Offsets, were also presented.

The MozBio 2 Project brought positive impacts to beneficiary communities, increasing environmental awareness and encouraging collective conservation actions. In addition, it fostered alternative sources of income, reducing practices such as poaching and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

The Voices of the Earth event consolidated the legacy of the MozBio 2 Project, pointing towards a future where environmental preservation and community development walk hand in hand.