The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) presented, on 18 June 2026, in Maputo, a review of 2025 marked by financial resilience, continued support to Conservation Areas, and the strengthening of its institutional sustainability. During the 4th Ordinary Session of the Members’ Assembly, the institution highlighted disbursements exceeding USD 12.2 million to 23 Conservation Areas through 35 projects, as well as the growth of its Endowment Fund to approximately USD 69.5 million.

The session brought together members, partners, and invited guests of the institution to review the results achieved in 2025 and discuss the challenges and prospects for biodiversity conservation in Mozambique, within a complex national context and a period of increased uncertainty in international funding.

Support to Conservation Areas Remained Above USD 12 Million

During the presentation of the 2025 Annual Report, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Carlos dos Santos, underscored that BIOFUND maintained its commitment to the National System of Conservation Areas despite significant funding challenges. The results presented demonstrate the Foundation’s ability to adapt and highlight the importance of an increasingly resilient financial base to ensure continued support for conservation.

Human Capital and Environmental Education in the Spotlight

In the area of capacity building and human capital development, the Foundation continued investing in the training of managers and technicians from Conservation Areas, as well as in the implementation of the Leadership Program for Conservation in Mozambique (PLCM). In advocacy and environmental education, more than 23,000 people participated in initiatives promoted and supported by BIOFUND, including the 3rd Marine Biodiversity Conference, held in the city of Beira.

Strengthened Governance and Transparency

The Assembly also took note of the institutional advances achieved in 2025, including the establishment of the Scientific Committee and the Internal Audit Unit. These measures strengthen the institution’s governance and transparency mechanisms at a time when partner confidence and institutional robustness are increasingly important for the continuity of conservation efforts.

Members Raise Concerns About Human–Wildlife Conflict and Funding

During the discussions, Assembly members acknowledged the work carried out by the Foundation and emphasized the importance of giving greater attention to issues such as human–wildlife conflict, the sustainable use of natural resources, and the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts. The impacts of the suspension of certain projects funded by international partners were also discussed, along with the need to continue diversifying funding sources to ensure the sustainability of conservation actions.

Institutional Continuity and Tribute

The session also included the election of Catarina Chidiamassamba as the new Secretary of the BIOFUND Members’ Assembly Board, ensuring the continuity of the work of this governing body. On the same occasion, participants paid tribute to Dr. Roberto Zolho, a founding member of BIOFUND and Secretary of the Members’ Assembly Board, who recently passed away, observing a minute of silence in his memory.

Under the theme “Financial Resilience in the Face of the National and Global Conservation Crisis,” the 2025 review clearly demonstrated that financial resilience is now an essential condition for maintaining support to Conservation Areas, reducing risks associated with instability in international funding, and ensuring the continuity of conservation actions in Mozambique.