Funded by the UK Government through the Community Conservation and Investment Programme (CCIP), the 9th edition of the PLCM Pre-Professional Internship Programme offers six months of professional experience to more than 30 young people from eight provinces across Mozambique, with placements at over 20 host institutions.

The transition from academic life to the professional world can be challenging for many young people. In the conservation sector, however, it also presents an opportunity to develop a new generation of professionals equipped to contribute to biodiversity protection. Against this backdrop, the Mozambique Conservation Leadership Programme (PLCM), an initiative of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), is launching the 9th edition of its Pre-Professional Internship Programme, bringing together 31 young people selected from more than 3,000 applicants.

The interns’ induction programme began today, 3 November 2026, at Maputo National Park and will run until 6 November. Over these four days, participants will attend inspiring sessions on conservation leadership, professional ethics and conduct, and career development, helping to prepare them for the six-month placements at their respective host institutions.

The initiative is funded by the UK Government through the Community Conservation and Investment Programme (CCIP) and brings together public institutions, civil society organisations and private-sector partners. The opening session was attended by representatives of the British High Commission, the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), the National Institute for Employment (INEP), Limpopo National Park, Maputo National Park (PNAM) and BIOFUND.

Young people from different fields and provinces united by conservation

The 31 selected candidates, 20 men and 11 women, come from eight provinces: Maputo, Inhambane, Zambézia, Nampula, Manica, Niassa, Sofala and Tete. They bring a wide range of academic backgrounds, including Forestry Engineering, Biology, Ecology, Biodiversity Management, Veterinary Medicine, Tourism, Agriculture, Business Administration and Management, Accounting, Law, Journalism, Communication, Information Technology, Architecture and Nursing, among others.

This diversity of expertise will give the interns the opportunity to explore different aspects of conservation work and contribute to the activities of their host institutions.

The placements are spread across 21 internship centres, including Banhine, Chimanimani, Limpopo, Mágoè, Maputo and Zinave National Parks, Marromeu National Reserve and the Maputo Environmental Protection Area. The network of host organisations also includes partners such as WWF Mozambique, Portucel Mozambique, Zambeze Delta Safaris, LevasFlor Ltd., the Tagumanicanave Association and the Conserva Mabu Community Association.

In Maputo city, interns will also be hosted by public institutions and organisations working in areas that complement conservation efforts. These include BIOFUND, ANAC, ADRA Mozambique, the National Agency for Geospatial Development, the Mozambique Recycling Association, WWF Mozambique and the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, through its National Directorate of Environment and Climate Change.

An opportunity that calls for commitment and a willingness to learn

During the opening session, representatives of the partner institutions highlighted the significance of this opportunity and stressed the importance of the commitment and dedication expected of the young people as they embark on this new journey.

Speaking on behalf of ANAC, Nilton Iombaiomba congratulated the selected candidates and reminded them of the responsibility that comes with being part of the programme:

“Congratulations to each of you on making it this far. You were selected from a pool of approximately 3,000 applicants. We expect discipline, humility and a willingness to learn, as well as a strong commitment to conservation. This internship is the first step towards a successful career.”

Leone Tarabusi, representing the UK Government, conveyed congratulations on behalf of the British High Commission and reaffirmed the UK’s support for the PLCM through the CCIP, particularly in capacity development. He also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people to take an active part in development initiatives and encouraged the interns to make the most of this experience.

Alexandra Jorge, BIOFUND’s Director of Programmes, highlighted the role of the internship in introducing young people to the conservation sector:

“More than simply providing professional experience, we want this programme to be a gateway to the conservation sector, giving young people the opportunity to discover their potential and understand how they can contribute to protecting biodiversity in Mozambique.”

What do the young people hope to gain from this experience?

The interns’ own perspectives are also a key part of this initiative. Over the six months, they are expected to build on their existing knowledge, develop new skills and explore ways of applying their academic training to conservation.

“I see this internship as an opportunity to turn the knowledge I gained during my studies into practical experience. I hope to bring about positive change in the Monte Mabu Community Conservation Area and learn from local communities,” said Amado Armando, a Forestry Engineering graduate undertaking his placement at Monte Mabu.

Fimina Victor, a Law graduate undertaking her placement at Limpopo National Park, sees the PLCM as an opportunity to develop into a conservation leader.

“Being selected from more than 3,000 applicants is a source of pride, but it also comes with great responsibility. I want to make the most of these six months to learn, take on new challenges and contribute to biodiversity conservation and community development through my area of expertise. My ambition is to become a conservation leader.”

For Francisco Assane, a Nursing graduate undertaking his placement at Mágoè National Park, the internship is an opportunity to contribute to improving healthcare services in Conservation Areas.

“Conservation needs professionals from different fields. This opportunity helps us realise that everyone can play a role in this sector. I hope to gain new skills, exchange ideas and make a positive contribution to the institution that will host me.”

PLCM: investing in the next generation of conservation leaders

Established in 2019, the Mozambique Conservation Leadership Programme is a BIOFUND initiative implemented in partnership with ANAC and INEP. Its work is guided by three pillars: (1) building capacity and developing human resources for the National System of Conservation Areas; (2) attracting and preparing young talent from a range of academic backgrounds; and (3) promoting environmental citizenship.

To achieve these objectives, the PLCM provides various forms of support, including pre-professional internships, scholarships, research support and specialised training. Through these activities, the programme helps strengthen national capacity and prepare professionals to play an active role in biodiversity conservation in Mozambique.

Keep up to date with the latest PLCM activities by following the PLCM Facebook page, visiting the PLCM website and reading the BIOFUND news page.