From 6 to 8 October 2026, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, hosted the 28th RedLAC Congress, one of the leading regional forums dedicated to biodiversity conservation finance and sustainable development. The event brought together approximately 30 environmental funds from 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside representatives of governments, multilateral organizations, Indigenous Peoples, civil society organizations and the private sector.

Held under the theme “Finance that Drives Conservation, Indigenous Peoples that Protect, Innovation that Transforms”, the congress provided a platform for discussions on innovative financing mechanisms, climate finance, direct support to communities, conservation area management, technological innovation, impact measurement and regional cooperation.

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) was represented by its Director of Programmes, Alexandra Jorge, who took part in the event to share experiences from Mozambique, learn about innovative approaches to sustainable financing and explore partnership opportunities to strengthen biodiversity conservation in the country.

Sharing Experiences to Inspire New Solutions

During the congress, Alexandra Jorge shared BIOFUND initiatives that promote institutional strengthening, skills development and stakeholder engagement in conservation. These included the mentorship and technical assistance programme for environmental funds, the Internship Programme under the Mozambique Conservation Leadership Programme (PLCM) and the BIO Card.

These initiatives demonstrate BIOFUND’s commitment to supporting conservation through different approaches, including strengthening the capacity of environmental funds, developing the next generation of conservation professionals and creating mechanisms that encourage broader public engagement in nature conservation.

Communities, Partnerships and Investment in Nature

The congress sessions, discussions and networking opportunities provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with conservation finance.

A key message emerging from the discussions was the importance of bringing all stakeholders together in a coordinated and complementary way. Local communities and Indigenous Peoples, in particular, must be recognized not only as beneficiaries of conservation initiatives, but also as active participants and leaders. Their knowledge, experience and close connection to their territories and natural resources are essential to achieving lasting conservation outcomes.

The congress also highlighted the need to balance economic development with ecosystem protection. While industrial activity and economic growth are important, they must be pursued responsibly, safeguarding the natural balance on which people and economies depend.

Environmental funds play a complementary role alongside governments by mobilising and managing resources for conservation initiatives. When strategically invested, these resources can deliver lasting benefits by strengthening institutions, supporting communities and protecting ecosystems.

Building Partnerships to Strengthen Conservation Impact

BIOFUND’s participation in the 28th RedLAC Congress provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with other environmental funds, learn from international experiences and identify approaches that could be adapted to Mozambique’s context.

At a time when effective conservation depends on predictable financial resources, technical expertise and long-term commitment, cooperation among governments, environmental funds, communities, the private sector and development partners is essential to achieving sustainable results.

The exchange of knowledge and experiences at the congress can help inform more effective financing strategies and foster solutions that align biodiversity conservation with sustainable development.

Conserving nature is a daily commitment and a shared responsibility. Through a common vision, innovation and collective action, financial resources can be transformed into lasting benefits for biodiversity and people.

Learn more about the 2026 RedLAC Congress: https://congresoredlac2026.org/