On March 31 of this year, the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) (BIOFUND) formally submitted its application to become a member of the prestigious International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

IUCN, a renowned international organization with seven decades of experience, has played a crucial role in nature conservation worldwide. Its vision of a just world that values and conserves nature, combined with its mission to influence, encourage, and assist societies in equitably and sustainably conserving the integrity and diversity of nature, has generated significant impacts.

With a diverse network of more than 1,400 member organizations from over 160 countries, IUCN brings together influential governmental, non-governmental, and civil society entities, giving its decisions a powerful mandate. The organization is responsible for essential biodiversity tools, such as the Red List of Threatened Species, the Red List of Ecosystems, and the World Database on Key Biodiversity Areas, among others.

In the Eastern and Southern Africa region (ESARO), where Mozambique is located, IUCN now has 107 members, including BIOFUND. BIOFUND’s membership in IUCN allows it to benefit from various privileges, such as increased influence and a collective voice on global conservation issues, as well as opportunities to develop partnerships and expand international networks. Through this, BIOFUND is well-positioned to influence and participate in global conservation initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to biodiversity protection and sustainable development in Mozambique.