The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) is holding, from March 3 to 6, 2026, at Maputo National Park, the induction session of the 8th edition of the Mozambique Conservation Leadership Programme (PLCM), with support from the Embassy of Sweden and the World Bank in Mozambique, preparing more than 60 young people for integration into pre-professional internships in conservation sector institutions.

Implemented by BIOFUND since 2019, the PLCM has facilitated the transition of recent graduates into the conservation sector through internships in public and private conservation areas, civil society organizations, the private sector, and state institutions. Over the course of its editions, the program has already supported more than 400 young people.

“It was created jointly with ANAC (National Administration for Conservation Areas), which is the entity that manages Conservation Areas and is fundamental in this process,” explains Sean Nazerali, Director of Innovative Financing, Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND).

Nazerali also highlights that the program improves participants’ employability and strengthens capacities within host institutions: “To date, approximately 30% to 35% of interns find employment at the end of their internship,” reaching levels above 80% in some cases, such as at Banhine National Park.

According to Nilton Yombayomba, Director of the Division of Admissions, Finance and Human Resources at ANAC, “Our role in this training is to provide follow-up for the selected interns, who will be assigned to various conservation areas at the national level.”

“When we have the opportunity to have newly graduated young people, some even in areas directly related to this field, it is always an added value,” says Luís Buchir, Administrator of the Maputo Environmental Protection Area. “What I can guarantee is that they leave here better than when they arrived,” adds the administrator.

The partnership with the National Institute of Employment (INEP) strengthens the professional insertion component of the program and encourages more young people to apply.

For Patrício Fergusson, Head of the Central Department of Information and Career Guidance at INEP, the initiative goes beyond training. “This program not only builds capacity; above all, it is a true academy,” he states.

He also made an appeal to young people: “Apply. It is a transparent, fair, and accessible process for everyone.”

For their part, the interns value the opportunity to turn theory into practice and to learn from technicians and communities. “It has been a very good experience; it is helping me grow both personally and professionally,” says Jennifer Langa, PLCM Intern (Environmental Engineering and Disaster Management), a 7th edition intern assigned to BIOFUND. “We are not only going to share what we know, but also to learn from the technicians there and from the local communities,” adds Celácio Fernandes, PLCM Intern (Ecotourism and Wildlife Management), an intern from the 8th edition of the PLCM.

The induction is organized into four modules: integration into the conservation sector; technical foundations and professional skills; field immersion (safari and visit); and safety/first aid, with a final presentation of produced materials (photographs, iNaturalist, and draft news articles).

Stay tuned to our digital platforms to learn more about this program.