The Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (BIOFUND) participated in the 13th Scientific Symposium of WIOMSA (Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association), held from September 28 to October 3, 2025, in Mombasa, Kenya, reaffirming its role in promoting marine and coastal conservation in the Western Indian Ocean region. The event, recognized as one of the leading forums for dialogue and knowledge sharing on the region’s marine and coastal ecosystems, had as its theme “ One Ocean, One Future: Connecting People, Policy and Science for a Resilient Western Indian Ocean,” inspired by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Targets (2022), the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), and the Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap.

The symposium brought together more than 1,200 participants from countries in the Western Indian Ocean region and international cooperation partners, including Sweden, Germany, the United States of America, and others. The 13th Symposium provided a unique platform for dialogue and cooperation, where science represented the basis for decision-making, policy design served as a catalyst for regional collaboration with a focus on the Nairobi Convention, and communities were recognized as protagonists in building a sustainable future. The Mozambican delegation included more than 50 representatives from national institutions, including Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), the Natural History Museum (MHN), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) , the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) , IUCN Mozambique , the Likhulu Foundation , InOM , Ocean Revolution , Maputo National Park (through the PPF ), ADRA , RARE, and others. Mozambique’s participation reinforces the national marine conservation agenda, highlighted during the 3rd Edition of the Marine Biodiversity Conference, held from September 3 to 4, 2025, in the city of Beira Mozambique. On this occasion, the President of the Republic of Mozambique emphasized the importance of coastal and marine ecosystems as pillars of the blue economy and climate resilience a vision that also resonated in the discussions at the WIOMSA symposium.

For five days, scientists, policymakers, local communities, and other stakeholders discussed crucial topics for the future of the Western Indian Ocean, such as the blue economy and sustainable development, governance and policy, ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), fisheries management, marine pollution, technological innovation, sustainable finance, education, and ocean literacy. The scientific papers and discussions resulted in practical recommendations for strengthening governance and regional collaboration, cementing a shared vision for marine and coastal conservation in the region.

Under the theme “From Land to Sea: Building Bridges Between Ecosystems ” the BIOFUND stand highlighted innovative integrated conservation initiatives that connect terrestrial and marine ecosystems, simultaneously promoting community development and the sustainable use of natural resources in Mozambique. Through information panels and various materials, visitors were able to learn firsthand about innovative financing mechanisms, such as biodiversity offsets, initiatives like the Bio Card, the Biodiversity Conservation Program, the Mozambique Conservation Leadership Program, MozNorte and PROMOVE Biodiversidade, which integrate biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and climate adaptation. This diversity of initiatives practically translates the spirit of the theme “From Land to Sea” highlighting how BIOFUND connects science, policy, sustainable finance, and local communities to build a shared vision for a more sustainable and resilient Western Indian Ocean.

Mozambique actively participated in the scientific sessions, with oral and poster presentations. The poster produced by Dr. Vilma Machava (UEM) stood out, winning the award for best poster of the event. This recognition symbolizes the growth and excellence of the new generation of national scientists committed to conservation.

BIOFUND’s presence at this meeting, through the support of the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA-Sweden), reinforces its role as a catalyst for partnerships and sustainable solutions for biodiversity conservation, in a context of growing environmental and climate challenges.