From October 9th to 15th, the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) is participating in Abu Dhabi in the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, one of the largest global gatherings dedicated to the protection of nature. The event brings together decision-makers, scientists, civil society organizations, and representatives of indigenous peoples from more than 140 countries to define priorities and drive conservation actions on a global scale.

Held every four years, the IUCN Congress takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and aims to guide international policies and programmes in response to environmental and climate challenges. The 2025 edition foresees more than 500 sessions and over 70 interactive exhibitions/pavilions, involving more than 1,400 IUCN members.

Under the theme “Powering Transformative Conservation,” the programme is organized around five pillars: 1) resilient conservation actions; 2) reduction of climate overheating risks; 3) promotion of equity; 4) transition to nature-positive economies and societies; and 5) disruptive innovation and leadership for conservation.

Admitted as an IUCN member in August 2024, BIOFUND thus marks its first presence at the Congress as a member organization, strengthening Mozambique’s representation on the global conservation stage. The Foundation is at Stand 325 (Mozambique), an exhibition in collaboration with the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), presenting terrestrial, aquatic, and marine conservation initiatives and results.

In addition to the exhibition, BIOFUND will participate in panels and technical forums on sustainable financing, innovative conservation mechanisms, the role of youth and nature-based solutions. The delegation will also follow the work of the IUCN Members’ Assembly, a space where eligible members exercise statutory rights and define directions for the Union.

Throughout the Congress, BIOFUND will share updates on meetings, collaborations, and highlights of its participation.

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.

From September 23–26, 2025, the final meeting of the second phase of the COMBO+ Program (“Conservation, Mitigation and Biodiversity Offsets”) was held in Nosy Be, Madagascar. The event brought together more than 41 participants from different countries, including donors, implementing entities, government partners, and consultants, to evaluate the results achieved between 2021–2025 and define the future of the initiative.

Mozambique participated with a delegation of seven representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND).

The implementing countries of the COMBO+ Program (Mozambique, Madagascar, Uganda, Guinea, Laos, and Myanmar) presented the main achievements and lessons learned during this phase.

Mozambique consolidated significant advances for biodiversity conservation. Among the results, the following stand out:

• Legal milestone: Approval of the Biodiversity Offsets Directive – Ministerial Diploma No. 55/2022, of May 19, which establishes clear rules for applying the mitigation hierarchy and biodiversity offsets.
• Program reference: The approval and implementation of this legal instrument consolidate national legislation on Environmental Impact Assessment and reinforce Mozambique’s commitment to conservation.
• Innovative technical tools: Development of 5 ecosystem and species metrics, namely Miombo ecosystems, Mangroves, Coral reefs, Seagrasses, and African Elephant.
• National capacity building: Delivery of 26 training sessions, involving more than 1,100 technicians and decision-makers across the country.
• Field testing: Implementation of 4 pilot habitat improvement projects in 2 Conservation Areas (CAs) and 2 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), which validated the Ministerial Diploma in practice and strengthened conservation areas’ capacity for future biodiversity offset projects, aligned with local management plans.
• National impact: Consolidation of environmental legislation and regional leadership in conservation innovation.

The progress achieved places Mozambique in a position of regional leadership, with the Ministerial Diploma on Offsets already recognized as a reference at the international level.

“With the support of COMBO+, the Government of Mozambique was able to accelerate these advances, achieving results that would have taken much longer if carried out in isolation.” highlighted Rosalina Niquice, MAAP representative at the meeting.

Donors and program evaluators also acknowledged the results, highlighting the contribution of COMBO+ in reconciling economic development with biodiversity conservation.

The donors, working team, and program evaluators are now developing solutions to ensure its continuity, both in the countries already involved and in its possible expansion to other regions, using the lessons learned to accelerate implementation.

GALS is a participatory methodology that encourages men and women to dream together, plan collectively, and take shared responsibility in family and community decisions, ensuring that development benefits everyone.

During the seminar, teams worked with tools such as the Identity Diamond (deconstructing stereotypes), the Gender Justice Diamond (equity and shared responsibility), the Poverty and Wealth Diamond (levels of vulnerability and improvement goals), the Vision Journey (step-by-step planning), and the Gender Balance Tree at Home (fair distribution of roles and tasks).

The training also included fieldwork in eight households, where participants applied the tools, facilitated dialogues, and encouraged immediate changes (such as reorganising household chores and committing to short-term family plans for income, food, and children’s education).

The participants’ testimonies revealed significant shifts in perception. One participant stated: “I realized that my wife does almost all the household chores on her own. From now on, we will share the tasks, and this will bring more harmony to our family.”

Another participant highlighted: “I learned that I also have a voice in decisions about income and our children’s education. I feel more confident in sharing my ideas.”

Other testimonies reinforced the notion that, beyond biological differences, men and women have equal abilities to make decisions and manage resources.

The project’s Dialogue and Complaints Mechanisms (DCM) were also presented, reinforcing the prevention of gender-based violence, safe reporting, and conflict resolution as part of a coexistence grounded in social justice.

As next steps, community teams will conduct follow-up sessions to monitor the implementation of the action plans defined with families and replicate the methodology in other Sanga communities. The experience will also be extended to the MozRural programme, maintaining the same participatory approaches.

The Northern Mozambique Rural Resilience Project supports access to livelihoods and sustainable natural resource management in vulnerable communities in the northern part of the country, strengthening local capacities and social cohesion.

The community of 2nd Congresso, located in Sanga district, Niassa province, has been hosting since September 22nd the 1st GALS Seminar (Gender Action Learning System), bringing together 40 participants (15 women and 25 men). The initiative is promoted by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), in partnership with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) and Helvetas Mozambique, with funding from the World Bank. Its main goal is to strengthen gender equity and transform social norms within local communities.

On the first day, participants engaged in socialization and trust-building dynamics, followed by an introduction to GALS tools such as the Identity Diamond and the Gender Justice Diamond.

• The Identity Diamond encouraged reflection on perceptions and expectations associated with men and women, helping to deconstruct limiting social norms.
• The Gender Justice Diamond promoted debate on equality and equity, highlighting that non-biological inequalities are the result of social constructions that affect community harmony and well-being.

These activities helped identify everyday gender barriers and define behavioral changes that strengthen social justice.

The GALS methodology is applied to reinforce family and community capacities, transform social norms, and promote gender equity, drawing on experiences already implemented in Mozambique by several institutions.

The seminar is part of the actions of the Mozambique North Rural Resilience Project (MozNorte), which aims to improve access to livelihood opportunities for vulnerable communities and promote the sustainable management of natural resources in rural areas of northern Mozambique.

Maputo, September 16, 2025 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries (MAAP), through the National Directorate for Environment and Climate Change (DINAMAC), in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), within the scope of the COMBO+ Program, held a Financial Sector Training Workshop on environmental risks, licensing processes, and biodiversity offsets.

Since 2016, Mozambique has been consolidating legal and technical instruments to promote sustainable growth, notably through collaboration with the COMBO+ Program in creating procedures that enable the proper application of the Mitigation Hierarchy (MH) and Biodiversity Offsets. This joint work resulted in the approval of the Biodiversity Offsets Directive (Ministerial Decree No. 55/2022, of May 19), in accordance with Decree No. 54/2015, which regulates the Environmental Impact Assessment process.

The workshop was attended by 28 representatives from various sectors, including members of the government, the private sector, banks, and insurance companies. Among the institutions present were the  Absa Bank, Millennium BIM, Standard Bank, BIG Bank, Moza Banco, Letshego, Arko Seguros, Holland Seguros, Horizonte Seguros, Metropolitano, Fidelidade, BNI, FUNAE, Britam, as well as representatives from MAAP, IFC, and partners such as BIOFUND.

During the event, participants attended a presentation by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), led by Alan Marini, who explained how to assess and integrate nature-related risks and opportunities, promoting financial flows aligned with positive outcomes for biodiversity.

This was followed by a presentation by Philisiwe Sibeko from the IFC, who addressed the integration of environmental and social standards in private investments, highlighting the importance of the financial sector in promoting responsible and sustainable investments.

The workshop aimed to reinforce the importance of environmental licensing, particularly biodiversity offset management plans, as an essential legal safeguard for compliance with national standards. By applying these requirements to its clients when granting credit, the financial sector plays a decisive role in ensuring that the country’s economic growth does not result in irreversible biodiversity losses.

Yesterday, in Maputo City, the Planning Seminar for the National Census of Elephants and Large Mammals took place. The hybrid event brought together 86 participants, 51 of whom attended in person and 35 virtually. The National Elephant Census will be conducted from 20 September to 30 October of this year, covering the entire national territory, and will be carried out by the Center for Agricultural Studies and Natural Resource Management (CEAGRE) in partnership with BassAir Aviation. The initiative is led by the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), in collaboration with the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), and funded by the Government of Sweden. It also benefits from the support of several institutions, most notably the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

During the opening session, ANAC’s Deputy Director-General, Severiano Khoy, highlighted the importance of this exercise in assessing the current status of elephant and large mammal populations in the country. He further stressed that “Mozambique has been working to consolidate innovative mechanisms for biodiversity conservation, and this census is a unique opportunity to obtain robust data that will guide policies and effective measures to conserve and promote the sustainable use of wildlife.”

Representing BIOFUND, Samiro Magane, Coordinator of the Biodiversity Conservation Program, thanked partners for their involvement and emphasized the importance of the support received:

“BIOFUND’s experience demonstrates that, with predictable and structured funding, it is possible to create stronger foundations for biodiversity conservation. Donor support has been fundamental in enabling large-scale initiatives such as the inventory of natural resources and the training of staff from the National System of Conservation Areas for biodiversity management and protection.”

The methodology presented foresees coverage of 90 to 95% of the areas normally used by elephants, totaling 171,763 km², with the main objectives being:

• Estimating the abundance and distribution of elephant populations and carcasses;
• Calculating carcass ratios as an indicator of mortality;
• Documenting, spatially, the areas of species occurrence.

According to CEAGRE, the census will provide essential data for elephant population management, including abundance estimates, spatial distribution, and carcass-based mortality indices. Additionally, it will generate valuable information on other wildlife species sharing the same habitats, contributing to analyses of ecological interactions, spatial use patterns, and integrated conservation strategies.

The Planning Seminar was marked by technical discussions on methodology and operational safety, highlighting the importance of ensuring scientifically robust results recognized by the IUCN African Elephant Specialist Group (AFESG/IUCN–SSC).

Through this exercise, BIOFUND reaffirms its commitment to biodiversity conservation, mitigation of human–wildlife conflict, and the fight against poaching, ensuring updated and reliable information for the sustainable management of natural resources.

The 3rd Marine Biodiversity Conference (CBM) closed in Beira with a clear and mobilising message: Mozambique is an ocean nation that turns ambition into action. At the opening, presided over by His Excellency Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of the Republic, the Government reaffirmed commitments to biodiversity and the blue economy. “Unite public policy, science and civil society to turn strategic vision into tangible results,” the Head of State stressed.

At the Chiveve Park, chosen for its symbolism, “well-planned nature-based solutions […] protect lives and boost the local economy.” The President underlined the centrality of education: “environmental education is one of the cornerstones for ensuring the effective protection of marine ecosystems,” and “We want schools, universities and communities close to the sea to be a living laboratory.”

Government in full force, at the highest level

Beyond His Excellency the President of the Republic, those present included the Secretary of State for the Sea; the Governor and Secretary of State of Sofala; the President of Beira Municipal Council; teams from the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP) (including InOM – Mozambique Oceanographic Institute, Museus do Mar, ADNAP – National Fisheries Administration), ANAC – National Administration for the Conservation Areas, ProAzul – Blue Economy Development Fund, INIP – National Institute for Fish Inspection, and the National Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture; as well as MIREME – Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy (via the National Directorate of Geology and Mines). This active presence was decisive for aligning themes, facilitating sessions, and mobilising the fair and exhibition.

Four pillars – what is underway, what science showed, and what is recommended

1) Coastal and marine biodiversity

Underway: strengthening integrated management of critical ecosystems (mangroves, seagrasses, reefs, dunes); strengthening Community Fisheries Councils (CCPs); applied research on beneficial use of dredging residues.

Findings/alerts: records of the invasive species Metapenaeus dobsoni; detection of WSSV (white spot syndrome virus) in wild shrimp; development of a LAMP assay (rapid, low-cost) for field diagnostics; description of a new parasitic species associated with Inhaca’s mangroves. These results call for continuous monitoring and adaptive management.

Recommendations/decisions: deepen cumulative impact assessment (extractive industry, fisheries, tourism, transport) and strengthen CCPs as instruments of local governance and dissemination of good practices.

2) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Underway: consolidation of existing MPAs (ecological monitoring, enforcement, adaptive management) and use of tools such as METT and national databases; advancing debates on legal expansion and co-management with communities.

Findings/alerts: gaps in human and financial resources and the need for consistent datasets to inform decisions.

Recommendations/decisions: prioritise consolidation before new expansions, while aligning with the 30×30 target; diversify finance (blue bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, blue carbon, payments for ecosystem services (PES), conservation trust funds).

3) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA)

Underway: alternative livelihoods (honey, seaweed) to ease pressure on fisheries; mangrove restoration with fair benefit-sharing and blue-carbon opportunities; effective co-management in Maputo National Park; pilots for mangrove crab aquaculture (Metuge); circular economy converting marine plastic into 3D-printing filament.

Findings/alerts: informed community participation and transparent agreements are decisive for lasting benefits.

Recommendations/decisions: explicitly integrate EbA into the Blue Economy Strategy and coastal planning to reduce risks, create decent jobs, and scale solutions with the private sector.

4) Environmental education

Underway: early introduction in schools and communities; youth clubs, diving and ocean literacy; creative initiatives (music, theatre, games) adapted to local context; circular-economy cases such as “Moeda Azul” (AMOR).

Findings/alerts: documenting and integrating traditional knowledge into management instruments makes solutions both scientifically grounded and socially legitimate.

Recommendations/decisions: climate-friendly municipal policies (e.g., extended producer responsibility for plastics), aligned with community participation and technical support, especially in vulnerable coastal cities such as Beira.

A “sustainable, inclusive, job-creating blue economy,” the President emphasised, calling on Government, academia, civil society, the private sector, partners and communities to act in synergy.

A platform that links science, communities and the State – and at scale

There were 694 in-person participants and 20,059 online over the two days of the conference (20,753 in total), plus 1,011 in the environmental-education and exhibition activities – reaching 21,764 people throughout the programme.

Acknowledgements – funders

BIOFUND expresses its deep gratitude to the funders of this 3rd edition: Blue Action Fund (BAF); World Bank – MozNorte; Government of Sweden; COAST Facility – DAI; IUCN; ADRA; Portuguese Cooperation; GIZ; Peace Parks Foundation (PPF); WIOMSA; UK Blue Planet Fund – JNCC; AICS; BIOFUND – Cartão BIO; Pescamar; BCI; VISTA; BIM; MOZA. Our sincere thanks to all.

Acknowledgements – collaborators and partners

BIOFUND likewise expresses deep gratitude to the Government of Mozambique and to institutional collaborators and partners for their decisive role in this 3rd edition – in particular for the presence and leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic – for political leadership, technical coordination and active participation as facilitators, speakers and panellists, as well as support to the fair, exhibition and field visits around the city of Beira (insert the specific locations): Government of Mozambique (Presidency of the Republic; MAAP and tutelary institutions – InOM, Museus do Mar, ADNAP; ANAC; ProAzul; INIP; National Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture); Provincial Government of Sofala; Beira Municipal Council; MIREME (via the National Directorate of Geology and Mines); WCS; academia and research networks; civil-society organisations; private sector; youth and coastal communities. Our heartfelt thanks for your commitment, availability and joint work.

The legacy ahead

An immediate roadmap was set out: consolidate co-management with communities; scale up mangrove and reef restoration; strengthen monitoring and data; secure long-term finance; and embed environmental education as a structuring pillar. BIOFUND will continue its mission to mobilise resources, fund what works and share evidence, in partnership with the State and communities. “This conference creates the right platform to consolidate alliances, accelerate learning and scale solutions,” the President underlined.

The 4th Marine Biodiversity Conference will take place in Inhambane province next year (2026).

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI) have taken another significant step in their partnership for the protection of wildlife. On August 11, at the Incomati Conservancy, Moamba district, the sixth and final monitoring collar was placed on a male elephant, under the project Voices of the Savanna: Elephants Monitored, Communities Heard.

The action, financed by the bio Card – a joint initiative between BIOFUND and BCI that allocates, at no additional cost to the client, a percentage of the annual fee and the transactions made with this card to conservation projects – was attended by the Chairperson of BCI’s Executive Board and BIOFUND’s Executive Director.

The Mozambique Wildlife Alliance (MWA) team, led by a veterinarian and supported by BCI’s PCE, carried out the operation on an elephant with a severe leg wound caused by a steel cable (illegal snare). This type of snare, often used to capture small animals, also affects large species, putting them at risk and intensifying conflict situations with communities. The snare was successfully removed, the wound properly treated, and the collar placed, enabling the tracking of the elephant’s movements. The elephant is now identified by the name Chitinini.

The group also visited a community electric fence (an important and complementary component of this elephant collaring project), installed to protect the fields of 45 families, ensuring food security and preventing elephants from entering these areas. The support of the Bio Card in such interventions demonstrates that the mitigation strategy combines monitoring technologies and physical barriers to protect both communities and elephants.

“We were very proud to witness the leadership, ability, and professionalism of the head veterinarian, a young Mozambican who was one of the first interns of the Mozambique Conservation Leadership Programme (PLCM), launched by BIOFUND with support from the World Bank – MozBio2 Project, and currently supported by the Government of Sweden, during this dangerous and complex activity,” highlighted Alexandra Jorge (BIOFUND Programme Director).

The Voices of the Savanna project responds to the growing elephant movements across the Incomati River towards community areas in the districts of Moamba, Namaacha, and Matutuine. Its goal is to develop a robust conflict prevention system, promoting peaceful coexistence and bringing tangible benefits to the communities that live alongside these giants of the savanna.

Do you want to contribute to biodiversity conservation?

By getting a Bio Card and using it, a small portion of BCI’s profit is allocated to projects that protect Mozambique’s nature.

The Community Management Committee (COGECO) of Chipanje Chetu, in Sanga District, Niassa Province, received means of transport this month under the Mozambique Rural Resilience Project (MozNorte), financed by the World Bank and implemented by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), in partnership with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) and Helvetas Mozambique.

The ceremony was led by His Excellency the Secretary of State for Niassa Province, Silva Livone, and was attended by local authorities, community leaders, and project partners.

In total, one vehicle, five motorcycles, and twenty bicycles were delivered, representing an investment of over 5.4 million meticais. These resources will strengthen COGECO’s mobility and responsiveness in the sustainable management of natural resources and community-based surveillance.

In addition to facilitating mobility and connections between distant communities, the new means of transport will enable members of COGECO and the Community Natural Resource Management Committees (CGRNs) to respond more quickly to incidents and actively support biodiversity conservation activities.

The MozNorte Project thus seeks to strengthen the sustainable management of natural resources while creating more livelihood opportunities for communities in northern Mozambique. The initiative reinforces community participation in conservation and the sustainable development of the region.

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) is participating from August 25 to 28, 2025, in the 15th General Assembly of the Consortium of African Funds for the Environment (CAFÉ), held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The event brings together 20 African conservation funds to create a strategic platform for cooperation, experience sharing, and mobilization of financial resources in support of biodiversity in Africa.

The opening session was attended by the Director-General of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), which celebrates its centenary this year, dating back to the creation of Virunga National Park, the first national park in Africa. The meeting is organized by Fonds Okapi, a private Congolese environmental fund similar to BIOFUND, whose endowment reached USD 67 million in 2025.

According to CAFÉ President Théophile Zognou, the choice of Kinshasa to host the assembly reflects the importance of the DRC as the “green lung of Africa and the world,” due to its rich biodiversity and the fact that it encompasses much of the Congo Basin, considered one of the planet’s largest carbon reserves. The 2025 edition focuses on carbon financing mechanisms and innovative, inclusive, and sustainable financial solutions for conservation.

For BIOFUND, this participation reinforces its active role within the CAFÉ network and strengthens cooperation with other African environmental funds. This edition also stands out for the growing Lusophone representation, with the presence of representatives from Angola and Guinea-Bissau (BioGuiné Foundation), opening new avenues for collaboration between established and emerging funds in portuguese-speaking countries.

At this assembly, CAFÉ reaffirms the commitment of African funds to promoting conservation that benefits both nature and communities, ensuring respect for customary land rights and the free, prior, and informed consent of local populations. The organization also announced the publication of a best practices guide for fair carbon projects and is preparing the release of an annual report on the state of human rights in funded protected areas.

The event is supported by RawBank, the Bridge Project, The Nature Conservancy, and Fonds Okapi, reaffirming CAFÉ’s role as a catalyst for lasting financial solutions to protect African biodiversity.

Stay tuned to our pages for more information on this important annual event.

On August 20, 2025, in Chimoio, Manica Province, the Closing Workshop of the Habitat Improvement Pilot Projects of the COMBO+ Program took place. The program is implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), and the Government of Mozambique, represented by the National Directorate for Environment and Climate Change (DINAMC) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP). The event brought together 33 representatives from government, the private sector, civil society, academia, and local communities, creating a space for sharing experiences, critical analysis, and joint reflection on the future of biodiversity offsets in the country.

The COMBO+ Program has been implemented since 2016, creating favorable conditions to ensure that development projects do not generate significant negative impacts on biodiversity, seeking to prevent them, restore affected areas, and offset residual impacts. Within this framework, the program has promoted practical conservation actions to test methodologies and foster learning on biodiversity offsets in strategic areas such as Chimanimani National Park, Maputo National Park, Licuáti Forest Reserve, and the coastal ecosystems of Memba-Mossuril. These pilot projects made it possible to test methodologies established in the Biodiversity Offsets Directive (Ministerial Diploma nº 55/2022 of May 19) and generated a set of valuable lessons to guide this type of project in Mozambique.

The presentations highlighted significant progress in habitat recovery and in strengthening national technical capacity for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of ecological conditions. Representatives from the conservation areas that benefited from the pilot projects reiterated that the technical capacity is now in place to host future biodiversity offset projects.

Major challenges were also identified, such as the need for improved coordination between key institutions, limited financial resources, and the lack of clarity, commitment, and consistency in the application of environmental and mining legislation. It was emphasized that, without adequate budget for field visits, government institutions face difficulties in monitoring compliance with the legislation, which weakens the system and leaves room for environmentally harmful practices. In this context, participants reinforced the importance of greater professionalization of the agencies responsible for implementing legislation, stronger coordination between different institutions, including the Attorney’s Office on legal matters and the involvement of academia, which can contribute to research and training of technicians for the effective implementation of future biodiversity offsets.

During the debates, private sector representatives reiterated their interest in collaborating with conservation areas that had the experience of simulating biodiversity offsets through the implementation of the pilot projects, as these areas are now prepared. Participants also stressed the need to create integrated solutions that reconcile economic development objectives with the protection of ecosystems.

At the closing session, the official handover of the COMBO+ Program results package to the Government of Mozambique took place, marking an important milestone in the implementation of the Mitigation Hierarchy and in the development of public policies aligned with national and international conservation commitments. As one participant highlighted: “The greatest challenge now is to transform the lessons learned into consolidated practices, ensuring that everyone: Government, private sector, communities, and partners, takes responsibility for protecting biodiversity.”

As part of the celebrations of International Rangers’ Day, the inauguration ceremony of the Pangolin Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Center was held on July 31, 2025, at Chimanimani National Park (CNP). This facility is dedicated to strengthening the conservation of one of the most threatened species in the world.

The event was led by His Excellency Gustavo Sobrinho Dgedge, Secretary of State for Land and Environment, and took place in the context of the handover of a set of infrastructures built with the support of the MozBio 2 project, funded by the World Bank. Among the facilities delivered were type 1 and 2 staff houses, a conference room, a cafeteria, an operations room, a visitor center, and a solar plant, all of which enhance the park’s management and operational capacity.

The Pangolin Rehabilitation Center was built under the project “Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release of Pangolins in CNP”, funded by bio Card, an initiative of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), in partnership with Commercial Investment Bank (BCI). This center represents a significant milestone in national efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and strengthens CNP’s capacity to protect biodiversity.

In his speech, the Secretary of State highlighted the role of partners in making the initiative possible, stating: “Our gratitude extends to BCI, BIOFUND and Fauna & Flora for their support in the design of the pangolin rescue, rehabilitation and release center through the Bio Card.”

The occasion was also marked by a moment of recognition and appreciation for forest and wildlife rangers, with awards presented  to the five rangers who stood out the most during 2024 under the Rangers Support Fund, also known as the Dr. Carlos Lopes Pereira Fund. This initiative, implemented by BIOFUND in collaboration with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), aims to recognize the bravery, dedication, and commitment of rangers in protecting Mozambique’s conservation areas.

In this edition, rangers Peregrino Fernando (Chimanimani National Park), Tembo Singano (Gorongosa National Park), Emilda Mudau (Maputo National Park), Mário Cristóvão (Mariri Environmental Center), and António Fombe (Niassa Special Reserve) were distinguished for their outstanding contribution to biodiversity conservation in the country.

The ceremony highlighted not only the progress in infrastructure and conservation innovation but also the fundamental role of rangers, who often, under challenging conditions, dedicate their lives to safeguarding the country’s natural resources.

The 6th Conference on Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) took place from July 30 to August 1, 2025, in the City of Maputo. This national platform for dialogue and reflection on CBNRM was promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), with the technical and financial support of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND, through the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Programme and the Northern Mozambique Rural Resilience Project (MozNorte).

The event, which brought together members of the Government, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector and representatives of local communities, focused on strengthening partnerships for conservation, valuing traditional knowledge, and recognizing the role of communities as active actors in the protection and sustainable management of natural resources.

Renewed commitments at the official opening

The official opening ceremony, led by His Excellency Gustavo Sobrinho Djedje, Secretary of State for the Environment at MAAP, highlighted the urgency of transforming commitments into concrete actions. The government official called for the creation of sustainable livelihoods and stressed the need to achieve results that can be assessed at the following conference.

“The presence of everyone demonstrates the commitment to involving communities in the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources”, he said.

Local experiences as a basis for sustainable solutions

On July 29, the day before the official opening of the Conference, a pre-event session was held, dedicated to the exchange of community experiences, involving participants from all provinces of the country, particularly from the buffer zones of Conservation Areas. This session underscored the importance of local participation in ecosystem restoration, sustainable management, and resilience to climate change.

Highlights of the second day: Feasibility, equity, and healthy ecosystems

The second day of the conference was marked by debates on the effectiveness of community-based Natural resources management and the initial results of a study on economic and financial viability of value chains in buffer zones. The need to integrate local governance, conservation, and economic development was emphasized, to ensure that benefits are distributed fairly and inclusively.
For its part, BIOFUND reaffirmed the importance of integrated approaches that recognize the value of community knowledge, strengthen local governance, and contribute to the sustainability of Conservation Areas.

Highlights of the final day: Partnerships, public policies, sustainable financing, and legal security

The closing of the Conference emphasized the importance of aligning community practices with the national legal framework, advocating for greater legal security, formal recognition of local initiatives, and sustainable financing to ensure the continuity of actions and long term effects.
The final sessions also reinforced the need for strategic partnerships to promote community-based natural resources management as a driver of economic inclusion, income generation, and preservation of natural heritage.

BIOFUND’s active participation in the 6th CBNRM Conference reflects its firm commitment to a community-centered conservation model that promotes equity, sustainability, and resilient development in Mozambique. This event was collaborative effort involving other partners, namely, the Community-Based Management Network (ReGeCom), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization  (FAO), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the World Bank.

A student from Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) and five from Pedagogical University recently took part in a hands-on training in propagation techniques at the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique (IIAM). The seven-day course, which also included a technician, focused primarily on the conservation of species from Mozambique’s Red List that are difficult to propagate.

The training was carried out under the project “Strengthening the University Botanical Garden forthe Conservation of Mozambique’s Red List Plants”, implemented by UEM’s Department of Biological Sciences and funded by the bio Card, a partnership between BIOFUND and BCI that has been supporting biodiversity conservation projects across the country.

The collaboration between UEM and IIAM spans more than two decades, enabling joint research, student training in research, professional internships, and the cultivation of native species in the botanical gardens of both institutions.

Through this initiative, students had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of modern plant propagation techniques and to contribute directly to efforts to preserve Mozambique’s flora. More than  academic experience, the training represents a concrete investment in the future of biodiversity and in strengthening a new generation of scientists committed to protecting the country’s natural heritage.

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) carried out a monitoring visit to Chimanimani National Park in June, with the aim of assessing the progress of the Pangolin Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Project. This initiative seeks to protect one of the most vulnerable and trafficked species in the world: the African pangolin (Smutsia temminckii). The project is funded by resources from the bio Card, a partnership between BIOFUND and Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI), which supports innovative conservation actions across the country.

The project is to establish the first pangolin rehabilitation center in the park. The facility is being created through the adaptation of a specialized container, which will provide suitable conditions for the treatment and recovery of rescued animals. Since 2021, more than a dozen pangolins have already been saved in this protected area, many of them in critical condition as victims of illegal trafficking.

The rehabilitation center will include a first aid room, a quarantine area, and a controlled outdoor enclosure to ensure a safe and appropriate environment for the gradual recovery of the animals. At the same time, the park’s technical team, made up of rangers and staff trained by specialists from South Africa and Namibia, has been intensifying awareness-raising activities with local communities to reduce trafficking and promote greater understanding of the importance of conserving this emblematic species.

As a next step, a post-release monitoring program will be implemented using GPS and VHF telemetry technologies. This system will not only make it possible to track the movements of pangolins reintroduced into the wild but will also provide crucial information on their habitat use patterns and preferred ecological corridors, contributing to long-term conservation planning and management.

The creation of this center and the associated actions reinforce the commitment of Chimanimani National Park, BIOFUND and BCI to protect national biodiversity and combating the trafficking of endangered species.

Mount Mabu, one of the areas benefiting from the PROMOVE Biodiversidade programme, stands out as one of the sites of greatest ecological value in Mozambique. With a maximum altitude of about 1,700 meters and a montane forest covering 7,880 hectares, this region harbors species new to science, has a high rate of endemism, and includes species listed on the IUCN Red List. Due to its ecological and cultural importance, it is essential to declare the Mount Mabu forest, a community conservation area with effective management.

Within the framework of PROMOVE Biodiversidade, the Mount Mabu Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development Support Project, implemented by the WWF-ReGeCom-RADEZA consortium with funding from the European Union, under the management of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), established 11 community committees and created the management unit, an association known as CONSERVAMabu.

Created in 2023 and based in Nangazi, CONSERVAMabu represents the 11 local community committees in the management of the Mabu Forest. This management unit has stood out for its engagement in conservation activities for Mount Mabu, including the demarcation of the proposed Community Conservation Area totaling 9,300 hectares. CONSERVAMabu, together with the Lugela Administration, submitted the request for the declaration of this conservation area to ANAC.

Members of CONSERVAMabu regularly carry out environmental awareness activities, remove hunting traps from the forest, and contribute to promoting sustainable livelihoods such as conservation agriculture, beekeeping, and the identification of routes for ecotourism. These initiatives not only protect biodiversity but also improve the quality of life of local communities, creating a sustainable development model that can be replicated in other regions.

CONSERVAMabu is an inspiring example of how collaboration between international organizations, and local, provincial, and central government, together with communities and the support of development partners, can drive effective participatory management, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity for present and future generations. However, the success of this participatory approach requires strengthening of technical capacity, leadership, and transparent governance of this management unit. The PROMOVE Biodiversidade programme contributes to building these community-led biodiversity conservation models in the beneficiary landscapes.

From May 19 to 23, the joint monitoring mission of the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Programme took place in the Primeiras and Segundas Islands Environmental Protection Area (APAIPS), in Nampula Province.

For five days, a multisectoral team toured the region – Nampula City, Angoche, and Moma – to assess the progress of implemented activities, the degree of achievement of results, and to reinforce the commitment towards effective biodiversity conservation and the sustainable development of local communities.

The mission, led by the Officer of the National Authorizing Office (GON), brought together representatives from the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) and APAIPS Administration, the European Union (EU), the Director of Programmes of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), the Coordinator of the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Programme (BIOFUND), and the implementing partner, the consortium led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) with KULIMA and AENA.

In Nampula City, mission members met with the Secretary of State and the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries, who emphasized the need to align environmental conservation with sustainable development, ensuring direct benefits to communities. Initiatives such as support for offshore fishing, quaculture, nutrition education, and improvement of access roads notably the Nametil–Angoche road currently under construction with EU support were highlighted.

In Angoche and Moma, the mission met with district authorities who reiterated their commitment to conservation and community development, highlighting actions such as joint enforcement, mangrove restoration, and studies on payment for environmental services (e.g., carbon credits). This was followed by visits to beneficiary communities, including Pulizica, Mucoroje, Mucucune, Corane, and Mafamede Island, where enforcement challenges were identified. In Angoche the the mission visited good practices in environmental education led by children. Community initiatives combining conservation and income generation were also presented:

• Fish processing infrastructure – washing tanks, salting, drying racks, and fish freezing facilities under construction in Pulizica and Mucoroje, with technical support provided by Kulima and WWF;
• Crab fattening – experimental cages that increase the product’s value before sale, supported by WWF;
• Improved beekeeping – sustainable hives installed in mangroves, with training provided by WWF in partnership with a private company, promoting honey production for income generation and ecosystem protection;
• Vegetable production greenhouse in the Mucucune community – the construction of a water storage tank, water pumping from the river, and sprinkler irrigation powered by solar energy aims to produce seedlings for the members of the greenhouse management group and for sale in the community, generating income and contributing to the inclusion of vegetables in their diet;
• Protection of the Pulizica and Corane sanctuaries – the common understanding among communities is their importance for increasing productivity; however, they still do not fully refrain from illegal activities. Monitors are callingfor incentives! The challenge lies in defining the type of incentives, their sustainability, and the role of the community as beneficiary in offering such incentives, among others;
• Management-oriented monitoring – this involves SMOG agents, community agents, and monitors who, on one hand, record data on illegal activities in the sanctuaries and along the coast, while others raise awareness among offenders to help them understand the benefit of preserving fish breeding grounds for increased catches.

These initiatives are funded by the European Union under the PROMOVE Biodiversidade programme and demonstrate sustainable livelihood alternatives that can help reduce pressure on marine resources. However, their economic and financial viability, tangible benefits, and scalability still deserve the attention of the partners involved in this action!

The mission highlighted that conservation and development must move forward together, requiring the active involvement of communities, government, and the private sector. To ensure impact and sustainability, it is essential to improve access and invest in basic infrastructure (water, energy, health, and education). PROMOVE Biodiversidade has been strengthening the protection of the Primeiras and Segundas Islands and investing in the future of the communities that depend on them. But the scale must be greater to achieve effective transformation!

As part of the implementation of the Biodiversity Offsets Directive (Ministerial Diploma No. 55/2022 of 19 May), the Government of Mozambique, through the COMBO+ Program, conducted two technical field visits between 13 and 21 May 2025: one in Chimanimani National Park (CNP) in Sussundenga District, Manica Province, and another in the localities of Cabaceira Grande in Mossuril District and Janga in Nacala-Porto District, Nampula Province. These visits aimed to share experiences, identify best practices and consolidating technical and institutional capacities for the implementation of biodiversity offsets in the country, particularly with the involvement of local communities.

In each site, the visit gathered over 50 participants, including representatives from central and provincial government, the private sector, civil society, and local communities. These exchanges helped to deepen the private sector’s technical understanding of the planning, implementation, and monitoring mechanisms of Biodiversity Offset Management Plans (BOMPs), which aims to offset environmental residual negative impacts of economic development projects. The visits reinforced the importance of prioritizing underfunded Conservation Areas (CAs) that are not achieving their conservation objectives, and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) under threat of degradation, as priority locations for the implementation of future biodiversity offsets, as outlined in the Biodiversity Offsets Directive.

During the visit to Nacala-Porto, participants explored an area in Janga, currently under validation as a KBA. This area represents a unique ecosystem in Mozambique and the wider eastern African coastal region, composed of coral debris  hosting a network of over twenty-three lagoons interconnected by underground tunnels linked to the sea. The site harbors many terrestrial and aquatic species, some of which may be new to science. It is also characterized by highly vulnerable and distinctive vegetation, including endemic and threatened species. However, the area is under significant threat due to charcoal production and limestone mining.

Community engagement was a key focus throughout the field visits. Participants observed activities led by local community members that involved the production and planting of seedlings (miombo  and mangrove forests), promoting alternative livelihood models, and reinforcing the role of communities as implementers of biodiversity offsets.

The visit also included representatives from WCS China, accompanied by academic expert Yunju Li from the Kunming Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,  specialized in restoration of degraded ecosystem. During the technical session in Nacala, Professor Yunju Li shared his experience in implementing restoration activities linked to mine closure, highlighting methodologies, outcomes, and lessons learned. His contributions provided comparative perspectives on species selection for restoration, ecological rehabilitation techniques, monitoring approaches, and institutional collaboration, demonstrating how technical rigor and stakeholder coordination can ensure real, measurable biodiversity gains.

These visits were made possible with the financial support from the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM) through the COMBO+ Program and the CBDC Project, as well as from the Blue Action Fund and the Government of Sweden through the Biodiversity Conservation Program.

Gredice Pedro, 45 years old and mother of six, once lived on subsistence farming in the community of Mussapa, Manica. Her interest in beekeeping was sparked when she saw other women joining the beekeeping project financed by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), through the Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development Project (CBDC), with funding from the French Development Agency (AFD). “In the past, beekeeping was seen as an activity exclusively for men,” she recalls.

With technical training, Langstroth hives, and protective equipment, Gredice ventured into a field traditionally dominated by men. She overcame the community’s initial skepticism with determination: “It was difficult at first, but over time, everyone accepted my teachings.” Today, she is the lead beekeeper and has already trained dozens of her neighbors.

The regular sale of honey has provided her with a stable income, allowing her to improve her home and self-esteem: “Selling honey allowed me to build my zinc-roofed house, which once seemed like a distant dream.” The impact extends to her family’s health, honey has become a home remedy and to women’s leadership, as Gredice is now an active voice in local decision-making.

Aware that forests sustain bees, she leads conservation actions. “We are reforesting degraded areas with native plants, and this is helping with environmental conservation,” she explains, while mobilizing neighbors to prevent wildfires and plant new trees.

Her future includes tripling the number of hives and involving her whole family. “I want to raise awareness in my family about the importance of this activity. It is essential not only for our survival but also for the conservation of our biodiversity,” she states with conviction.

Gredice’s story demonstrates that investing in women entrepreneurs strengthens communities, preserves forests, and generates prosperity. Every jar of honey sustains a household and protects Mozambique’s natural heritage. Support initiatives that empower women guardians of biodiversity because protecting nature is securing tomorrow.

The Technical-Scientific Unit (UTC) to Support Biodiversity Offsets has benefited from training on metrics for measuring losses and gains in biodiversity (species and ecosystems). The event took place on April 17 in Maputo and was attended by 25 people, including members from the different institutions that make up the UTC, technicians from the Biodiversity Offset Assessment and Monitoring Division (RAACB) of the National Directorate for the Environment (DINAB) and trainers.

The training was promoted by the COMBO+ Program, a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS-Mozambique) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and, was based on the recently developed “Orientation Guide Note for the development of suitable metrics for use in loss and gain calculations of ecosystems and/or species” by the COMBO+ Program International Team, with the recently developed “Seagrass Ecosystem Metrics” as a case study.

The UTC is a multi-sectoral group (made up of representatives from government institutions, the private sector, academia and civil society organizations) whose mission is to strategically support the Environmental Impact Assessment Authority in the design, assessment and monitoring of Biodiversity Offset Management Plans (BOMPs).

The COMBO+ Program is currently funded by the Agence Française de Developpement (AFD) and the Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM). In Mozambique, COMBO+ is also currently funded by the Government of Sweden through the Biodiversity Conservation Program.

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in the City of Maputo, the 4th Session of the National Supervision Committee – CNS of PROMOVE Biodiversidade took place. The event was led by the Office of the National Authorizing Officer (GON), in coordination with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), the European Union, and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND.

The meeting brought together around 34 participants, both in person and online, including the Plenipotentiary Minister of the GON, the Deputy Director General of ANAC, the Head of the European Union Delegation and the Executive Director of BIOFUND. Also present were CNS members from the provinces of Nampula and Zambézia, the District Services for Economic Activities of Lugela, Administrators of the Conservation Areas benefiting from the Programme, as well as implementing partners. Results on the progress of activities in all programme intervention areas were presented, along with the findings of the mid-term evaluation of PROMOVE Biodiversidade.

Conservation and Research on Mount Mabu: The Role of PROMOVE Biodiversidade

PROMOVE Biodiversidade has been instrumental in conservation and research on Mount Mabu. Through this support, the WWF-ReGeCom-RADEZA consortium collaborated with the local community to demarcate 9,300 hectares for conservation and submitted a proposal for the creation of a Community Conservation Area (CCA) to ANAC. Studies and scientific expeditions were carried out with the last one conducted in 2024 involving 25 scientists supported by around 100 community members. This latest expedition not only increased knowledge of biodiversity but also raised the international visibility of Mount Mabu.

Five potential value chains were identified: conservation agriculture, beekeeping, ecotourism, fish farming, and mineral water bottling. In this context, 200 beneficiaries produced 2.27 tons of agricultural products, and 72 beekeeping beneficiaries established 47 apiaries.

PROMOVE Biodiversidade: Conservation and Sustainable Development in Gilé National Park

In Gilé National Park (PNAG), PROMOVE Biodiversidade financed research essential to support management decisions and influence conservation policies.

RADEZA supported several value chains, including agriculture (with technology transfer through Farmer Field Schools), beekeeping, fish farming, poultry farming, building boreholes, and milling.
In addition, conservation efforts through the agreement with the FFS-IGF foundation allowed for an increase in the number of rangers, the modernization of law enforcement and ecological monitoring processes, and improvement of mobility. The translocation of 200 buffaloes to this conservation area contributed to the restoration of biodiversity in the park.

APAIPS: Protecting Marine Biodiversity with PROMOVE Biodiversidade

PROMOVE Biodiversidade support has been vital for the Primeiras and Segundas Islands Environmental Protection Area (APAIPS). The consortium led by WWF, together with AENA and Kulima, contributed to the rehabilitation, expansion, and equippment of the APAIPS offices; promoted the training and graduation of the first group of 47 rangers in the history of APAIPS, including former community agents. PROMOVE Biodiversidade also supported the development of livelihoods by investing in agriculture and fish processing value chains. Support extended to engaging Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in community awareness, patrols, and monitoring, strengthening marine biodiversity conservation.

CITES Regulation Approved by the Government: ANAC Leads the Process

In addition to the activities promoted in the conservation areas, under the implementation agreement of one of the PROMOVE Biodiversidade components focused on strengthening ANAC’s institutional capacity, the CITES regulation was drafted and approved by the government. This represents a significant milestone in the protection of endangered species through the effective implementation of CITES guidelines, creating conditions for the country to ascend to a higher category.

ANAC also played a crucial role in strengthening the CITES Scientific Authority by involving more universities, organizing training for various sectors dealing with security affairs, and ensuring that international conservation standards are strictly followed. The drafting of Complementary Standards for Management Mechanisms for Community Conservation Areas is another important outcome of this component.

The Deputy Director General of ANAC highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, international organizations, and local communities to ensure the sustainability of conservation areas.

The Executive Director of BIOFUND reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working with all stakeholders and using the programme’s results to improve future conservation initiatives.

The Head of Cooperation of the European Union in Maputo expressed pride in the role of PROMOVE Biodiversidade in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable development of local communities and challenged all programme stakeholders to overcome difficulties to achieve the programme’s objectives. She particularly highlighted the generation of tangible benefits for local communities and effective responses to the recommendations of the mid-term evaluation of the programme, whose results were also shared at this event. This evaluation highlighted the need to adopt a strategic approach to implementation of livelihoods and ensuring generation of tangible benefits for the beneficiary communities.

PROMOVE Biodiversidade is funded by the European Union and implemented by BIOFUND and ANAC, with the aim of promoting institutional strengthening, biodiversity conservation, community development, and research to inform practical management actions. Three Conservation Areas in the provinces of Nampula and Zambézia benefit from this support, namely Gilé National Park (PNAG), the Primeiras and Segundas Islands Environmental Protection Area (APAIPS) and its adjacent coastal areas, and Mount Mabu.

The CNS provides strategic guidance for the programme, ensuring its alignment with national policies and strategies, as well as with the international commitments to which Mozambique is a signatory. In addition, CNS advises and monitors implementers and beneficiaries to achieve the desired results and impact of the programme.

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND participated, from March 17 to 20, 2025, in the 2nd Southern African Mountain Conference (SAMC25), held under the auspices of UNESCO and supported by dozens of sponsors, in the Drakensberg, South Africa. This community of practice served as an excellent platform for demonstrations, encouragement of research, sharing of experiences, and promotion of policies on the region’s mountain ecosystems.

The conference brought together more than 300 participants from various countries, including scientists, lecturers, students, government representatives, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental entities and the United Nations, as well as members of local communities and civil society. The event featured several special sessions dedicated to the rich biodiversity of mountains, their cultural importance, carbon market opportunities, and transboundary conservation of mountain regions.

Mozambique was represented by BIOFUND (with the support of the MozNorte Project, funded by the World Bank), the WWF/ReGeCom/RADEZA consortium (implementers of PROMOVE Biodiversidade in Mount Mabu,  with support from this programme), as well as by representatives of ANAC, Chimanimani National Park, and Gorongosa National Park (with support from the PNG). Regional partners from Malawi (Mount Mulanje) and international scientists with experience working in Mozambique, namely biodiversity and protected areas specialists, also participated.

During the plenary and parallel sessions, various presentations were made highlighting the biodiversity of Mount Mabu and other inselberg ranges in Mozambique, as well as ongoing activities to engage and empower local communities. Experiences from Gorongosa National Park were also shared on restoring the Afromontane system, balancing community development with biodiversity conservation.

There were also fascinating presentations on groups of mountain-loving volunteers, as well as the relevance and importance of planning and designing mountain trails for leisure and tourism purposes, an area of great potential in our country, yet to be explored!

The Mozambican representatives returned motivated by the emphasis given to mountain systems as sources of water, repositories of (often unique) biodiversity, and providers of other ecosystem services. This enthusiasm gave rise to preliminary discussions for the creation of a national movement to raise awareness and promote the conservation and sustainable use of mountain ecosystems.

For more information about the presentations delivered during the conference, click HERE.

A high-quality documentary is also available HERE, highlighting the importance of mountains as biodiversity repositories and vital sources of fresh water for humans, fauna, and flora.

On April 9 April, 2025, the Technical-Scientific Unit to Support Biodiversity Offsets held its first regular annual meeting. Composed of representatives from government institutions, the private sector, academia and civil society organizations, this multisectoral body plays a strategic role in supporting the Environmental Impact Assessment Authority in the design, evaluation, and monitoring of Biodiversity Offset Management Plans (PGCBs).

The session brought together 18 participants, including members, invited guests and the secretariat, and was marked by strategic discussions on the progress of implementing the Biodiversity Offsets Directive (Ministerial Diploma nº 55/2022 of 19 May). Emphasis was placed on reviewing the activities carried out in in 2024 and discussing the proposal work plan for 2025. Participants also received updates on the implementation status of Kenmare’s Biodiversity Offset Management Plan, as well as other potential PGCBs in development across the country. The meeting also featured a presentation on the status of technical guidelines, both existing and under development, for the implementation of the Ministerial Diploma. These tools are intended to support the Government, project proponents, environmental consultants, and other stakeholders involved in implementing biodiversity offsets in Mozambique. The group also reflected on the sustainability and composition of the Technical-Scientific Unit, outlining next steps to ensure its continued and effective operation.

The operationalization of the UTC is supported by the COMBO+ Program, a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS-Mozambique) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND). The COMBO+ Program is currently funded by the Agence Française de Developpement (AFD) and the Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM). In Mozambique, COMBO+ is also currently funded by tthe Government of Sweden through the Biodiversity Conservation Program.

This meeting not only reaffirmed the UTC’s strategic role but also strengthened the collective commitment to biodiversity conservation in Mozambique, in alignment with national and international targets.

In March 2025, the installation of a 3.7 km fence was completed at the Incomati Conservancy, in Moamba District, with the aim of reducing conflicts between local communities and elephants. The initiative is part of the project “Voices of the Savanna: Elephants Monitored, Communities Heard”, implemented by Mozambique Wildlife Alliance (MWA) in coordination with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), and funded by the bio Card, a partnership between the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Commercial Investment Bank (BCI).

With a total value of 3,152,210.00 MZN, this fence represents more than just a physical barrier. It is an innovative strategy that protects farms, infrastructure, and community livelihoods, mitigating the impacts of elephant migration while promoting both population safety and biodiversity conservation.

The activity was carried out by HSES (High Security Electronic Solution), with Incomati Conservancy as the beneficiary and strategic partner. Seven staff members from Incomati Conservancy, all from neighboring communities, played an active role in the initiative, strengthening local involvement in biodiversity conservation and commitment to elephant protection.

To reinforce awareness of the importance of the fence, a guided visit is scheduled for community leaders and district authorities of Moamba, encouraging open dialogue on the challenges of coexistence between humans and elephants.

This milestone strengthens MWA’s commitment to fulfilling its Memorandum of Understanding with ANAC. By enabling this funding, the bio Card reaffirms its role in supporting biodiversity conservation projects and promoting harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife.

These are the results of applied research promoted by the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Programme, funded by the European Union, carried out in Gilé National Park (PNAG) and Mount Mabu, and presented at the seminar organized by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND and partners, on February 21, in the City of Maputo.

The event was attended by about 63 participants, including representatives of the European Union, the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) and other Directorates of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries – MAAP, Gilé National Park – PNAG, Mount Mabu, the Environmental Protection Area of the Primeiras and Segundas Islands (APAIPS), the National Institute of Statistics (INE), and Academia. The objective was to disseminate the results of five scientific studies and their implications to the management of PNAG and Mount Mabu. The studies addressed crucial topics for the conservation and sustainable management of these conservation areas:

1. Fire and its Effect on the Ecology of PNAG and Implications for Park Management, carried out by Eduardo Mondlane University, Faculty of Agronony and Forestry Engineering – UEM/FAEF;
2. Large Mammals of PNAG: Conservation Status and Impact of Reintroduction on Ecological Restoration, carried out by UniLúrio;
3. Relationship between the Population of the Buffer Zone of PNAG, Use of Natural Resources and Some Demographic Projections, carried out by the Catholic University of Mozambique – UCM;
4. Study of the Hydrological Potential of Mount Mabu, carried out by the National Institute of Irrigation in collaboration with UEM/FAEF – INIR and FAEF;
5. Results of Scientific Expeditions, carried out by the WWF-ReGeCom-RADEZA consortium.

Among the results presented, there is an indication that about 60% of the park’s total area is affected annually by intense and severe fire, associated with the prevalence of poaching inside the park. Nonetheless, fire-resistant species continue to dominate in high-severity areas.

Miombo species continue to dominate the vegetation regardless of the severity of the fire. In areas of higher severity, fire-resistant species were less affected, but the ecosystem structure was impacted by the severity, resulting in a significant reduction in natural regeneration. These results motivated the organization of training on fire management for local communities, park staff, and local government. Furthermore, it  was recommended to conduct an analysis on the effect of fire on beekeeping flora, its flowering, bee populations, and beekeeping productivity, which is an important value chain in the region.

Also, in PNAG, UniLúrio’s research found the absence of large carnivores and indicated growth in the population of medium and large herbivores in the last decade, creating favorable conditions and prey availability for predators.

Despite the absence of resident communities inside PNAG, it is essential to understand the population dynamics in the buffer zone, given its effect on the demand for goods and services such as biodiversity, pollination, hydrological resources, scenic landscape, and carbon sequestration provided by the Park. UCM’s study recorded an average population growth of 1.8% between 2023 and 2024 and a reduction in pregnancies among young mothers of ages 15–19 from 26% to 13%. Although the estimated average population growth is lower than census projections, it is necessary to monitor these indicators for effective PNAG management and community development.

Equally, for Mount Mabu, the studies reinforced the high value of biodiversity and the vulnerability of species to habitat degradation. Furthermore, the hydrological analysis identified around 17 watercourses of excellent quality, opening opportunities for the development of value chains linked to agriculture, aquaculture, beekeeping, fishing, hydroelectric energy production, mineral water extraction, among others.

For ANAC, the results of these studies promoted by the PROMOVE Biodiversidade programme make it possible to understand the current state of conservation in PNAG, document the biodiversity available in Mount Mabu, and identifies local needs for informed preparation of effective management plans, and eventually contribute to the formulation of public policies focused on biodiversity conservation.

On February 26, 2025, the COMBO+ Program—a partnership between the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS),  Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND),  and the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (represented by the National Directorate for the Environment (DINAB)) — held a workshop to validate the seagrass ecological condition metric in Mozambique.

Developed by the Mozambican government in collaboration with strategic partners, this metric represents a step forward in the search for a balance between economic development and conservation of marine biodiversity. This process follows the principles of the mitigation hierarchy for impacts on biodiversity and the new Directive on Biodiversity Offsets (Ministerial Diploma No. 55/2022 of May 19), consolidating it as the fourth tool for monitoring and assessing the ecological condition of the country’s ecosystems.

The workshop, which was held in a hybrid format during the week of World Seagrass Day, was attended by 42 national and international participants, including marine biologists, seagrass specialists, university lecturers, environmental consultants, project managers and other stakeholders. The session was led by Dr Célia Macamo, an individual consultant and lecturer at Eduardo Mondlane University, and Manuela Amone, a post-doctoral student at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, who are responsible for developing the metric.

The involvement of academia in the development of the seagrass metric reinforces the importance of scientific research and inter-institutional collaboration in building solutions to environmental challenges.

Seagrasses, also known as seagrass meadows, play a vital role in climate resilience by efficiently sequestering carbon, in protecting coastal zones by stabilising sediments and reducing wave energy, as well as serving as habitat and breeding grounds for countless marine species.

This new metric ensures that, as we pursue development, we also preserve these ecosystems and their services for present and future generations, thus guaranteeing that Mozambique remains at the forefront of countries with the legal and technical instruments available to enable sustainable development.

The seagrass metric was developed with financial support from the Government of Sweden through the Biodiversity Conservation Program, and the World Bank through the MozBio 2 Project (ended in December 2024).

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND, through the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Program, held a strategic seminar on February 19 and 20, in the City of Maputo, with the objective of reflecting on strategic, sustainable, and effective approaches to generate concrete benefits for the communities of the Conservation Areas benefiting from the program, while simultaneously promoting biodiversity conservation.

The Seminar brought together 86 participants, including representatives from BIOFUND, the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), the European Union, the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), the Catholic University of Mozambique (UCM), Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), Gilé National Park (PNAG), Mount Mabu, PROMOVE Biodiversidade implementation partners, and members of the Community Associations from the program beneficiary areas.

Commitment to Conservation: Interventions of Key PROMOVE Biodiversidade Stakeholders

“Conservation is development”, stated Luís Honwana, Executive Director of BIOFUND, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the Program’s next actions bring real impact to communities.

The European Union, represented by Aude Guignard, stressed that PROMOVE Biodiversidade is based on the initiative https://www.natura-africa.de/aboutus and represents a pioneering European Union experience in supporting conservation in Mozambique, reinforcing the need to harmonize approaches, exchange experiences, and overcome challenges to improve performance in Conservation Areas.

For ANAC, PROMOVE Biodiversidade has brought positive results in strengthening communities and Conservation Areas, as well as in reinforcing ANAC’s relationship with other organizations.

Community organization representatives, in turn, emphasized the importance of active community involvement, highlighting that the Program has already contributed to reducing uncontrolled fire, poaching, and deforestation in Mount Mabu and PNAG.

“Since our birth, we had never heard of conservation. With PROMOVE Biodiversidade, we created the CONSERVAMabu Association and began raising community awareness. Today, there is already awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources,” said Hortência Manuel, Manager of the CONSERVAMabu Association and community facilitator.

Group Work for Sustainable Solutions

On the second day of the Seminar, participants worked in groups to identify sustainable solutions for community development. Among the solutions discussed for the generation of tangible benefits, the following stood out:

1. Enhancement of the cashew value chain in PNAG
2. Coffee production and ecotourism in Mount Mabu
3. Sustainable fishing in the Environmental Protection Area of the Primeiras and Segundas Islands (APAIPS).

The seminar reinforced the need to continue developing solutions co-created with communities, ensuring their ownership and the involvement of the private sector. The seminar’s recommendations will be translated into concrete actions, ensuring that communities play a leading role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Stay tuned for upcoming updates on PROMOVE Biodiversidade actions!

Through funding from the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Programme, a research project led by the Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering (FAEF) of Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) and partners is transforming the local knowledge about the impact of wildfires on the Miombo ecosystem of Gilé National Park (PNAG). Launched in 2022 and scheduled for completion in June 2025, the study aims to strengthening the park’s management and conservation through robust scientific data.

Workshop for Presentation of Results: Knowledge and Practical Action

Musseia, the main camp of PNAG, hosted the workshop for presenting the research results, which brought together 23 participants, including members of local communities through their Natural Resource Management Committees (CGRN) and PNAG staff. The event was divided into two parts: the presentation and discussion of the research findings, followed by a practical training session on fire management techniques.

Strategic Maps to Combat Wildfires

One of the most significant outcomes of the study was the creation of maps that precisely identify the areas at greatest risk of wildfires. These maps will be crucial for PNAG to strategically allocate resources and intensify prevention and firefighting actions, directly contributing to the effective implementation of the management plan.

Capacity Building and Community Collaboration

The wildfire management training provided a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange between community members, park managers, and partners. Participants committed to disseminating the knowledge acquired, reinforcing the essential role of collaboration between the park and local communities. This effort is key in reducing wildfire incidence and ensuring biodiversity preservation through sustainable integrated management practices.

PROMOVE Biodiversidade: A Crucial Programme for Conservation

Funded by the European Union and managed by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Program is essential for biodiversity conservation in Mozambique. Through innovative projects, PROMOVE Biodiversidade not only promotes the protection and restoration of critical ecosystems but also builds community capacity for the sustainable management of natural resources.

Since 2017, the bio Card, a pioneering partnership between the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Commercial Investment Bank (BCI), has been driving significant impacts in financing biodiversity conservation initiatives and sustainable development in Mozambique. With over 37,000 cards issued and more than MZN 22 million raised, the initiative proves that small contributions can generate big change.

Among the supported projects are the protection of rhinos in Sábiè Game Park, which uses satellite monitoring to safeguard threatened species, and the restoration of the Bobole Botanical Reserve, where the repopulation of Raphia australis has been combined with agroforestry systems that provide direct community benefits, such as increased household income through agroforestry businesses and sustainable forest harvesting. Additionally, Eduardo Mondlane University Botanical Garden implemented a project to preserve rare and endangered species such as Warburgia salutaris, fostering the training of new conservationists and ensuring the continuity of conservation efforts.

In the marine realm, turtle monitoring in the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago Environmental Protection Area has enabled crucial studies of migration routes, helping to protect this emblematic species.

More recently, the bio Card expanded its impact to address urgent challenges, such as mitigating human-elephant conflicts in Maputo, through the installation of electric fences and monitoring collars.

In Sofala, the project “Access to the National Charcoal Market” promotes the sustainable management of forest biomass to create jobs and reduce environmental risks.

During the celebration of the bio Card’s sixth anniversary, held at the BCI auditorium, BIOFUND reiterated its commitment to expanding the initiative’s positive results while encouraging more national partnerships. This model connects businesses and society to biodiversity conservation, promoting a more sustainable future for Mozambique.

With the support of the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Program, funded by the European Union and managed by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), the Environmental Protection Area of the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago (APAIPS) celebrated the graduation of its first ranger team.

Nearly 50 Rangers to Protect One of Largest Africa’s Natural Assets

A total of 47 forest and wildlife rangers received specialized training from the Police of the Republic of Mozambique. Among them, 13 are former community scouts who are now integrated into APAIPS’s ranger team. Their mission covers the districts of Angoche, Moma, and Larde in Nampula Province, and Pebane in Zambézia, representing just over 40% of a protected area spanning more than one million hectares.

During the graduation ceremony held on November 24, José Luís, Provincial Director of Environmental Services of Nampula, highlighted: “Beyond its ecological importance, APAIPS offers essential opportunities for sustainable fishing, ecotourism, and other livelihoods that directly benefiting our local communities.”

Partnerships and Commitments Reinforce the Success of the Initiative

ANAC’s Deputy General Director, Severiano Khoy, expressed gratitude to the partners: “The European Union, BIOFUND, and WWF have been tireless in ensuring the preservation of this beautiful natural heritage.” APAIPS Administrator, Ricardina Matusse, emphasized the significance of this milestone, pointing out that the efforts strengthen the conservation of one of Africa’s largest marine areas.

Sustainability as the Ultimate Goal

The PROMOVE Biodiversidade Programme, through its continued commitment and collaboration with ANAC, goes beyond enforcement, investing in sustainable management strategies, livelihood practices for local communities, and studies that inform environmental policies. This integrated approach aims to ensure not only the protection of biodiversity but also the improvement of living conditions for local populations.

This achievement reaffirms Mozambique’s commitment to sustainable development, promoting a harmonious coexistence between environmental preservation and community well-being.

The city of Beira has been chosen to host the 3rd Edition of the Marine Biodiversity Conference (MBC), organized by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) in partnership with various entities. This event, scheduled for June 2025, aims to promote synergies between ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives, facilitating knowledge sharing among government, researchers, academia, the private sector, and coastal communities.

On November 27, 2024, the BIOFUND team, led by Executive Director Luís Bernardo Honwana, presented the concept and practical aspects of the conference to the central Government authorities of Sofala Province and the Beira City Council, emphasizing  the importance of collaboration for the success of the event.

During the meeting, the Governor of Sofala Province, Lourenço Bulha, highlighted that the choice of Beira to host the conference reinforces the province’s commitment to conservation. Projects such as mangrove forest restoration have contributed to coastal protection and demonstrate dedication to sustainability.

The Secretary of State, Cecília Chamutota, expressed her enthusiasm, stating:

“I am especially grateful for the choice of the city of Beira. We are open and ready to ensure support for the successful delivery of this event, and we hope this will be a milestone for the consolidation of more conservation initiatives in our province.”

The Mayor of Beira, Albano Carige, also expressed his support and assured full availability to collaborate in the organization of the event.

With the success of previous editions in Maputo and Nacala-Porto, the 3rd edition of the MBC completes the geographic coverage of the country’s three regions (South, North, and Center). The choice of Beira, a city highly vulnerable to climate change, underscores the symbolism of this event, which aims to promote innovative solutions for the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.

The Marine Biodiversity Conference in Beira is set to become a  a milestone for the advancement of conservation in Mozambique, bringing together experts and key stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities. Follow us on our platforms for more updates on this transformative event.

With €4.2 million in funding from AFD/FFEM, the Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development (CBDC) project is positively transforming the buffer zone of Chimanimani National Park (PNC). The initiative combines environmental conservation with socioeconomic development, promoting the sustainable management of natural resources while benefiting both biodiversity and the quality of life of local communities.

In recent months, the project has implemented key actions, including the development of local conservation and community management plans with the 14 communities living in the buffer zone, namely:

• Practical training in sustainable agriculture: Practices that improve food security (by increasing crop productivity and generating more income) and enhance soil preservation (mitigating environmental impacts).
• Water resource management: Ensuring more efficient and sustainable use of water.
• Reforestation: Actions that help restore degraded areas and promote biodiversity conservation.

One of the project’s most notable strategies involves diversifying community income sources through the promotion of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), with a particular focus on honey production. This approach has:

• Empowered small-scale beekeepers and promoted good hive management practices.
• Provided economic benefits for families by increasing income sources.
• Contributed to pollination, which is essential for biodiversity and local productivity.

As part of its implementation efforts, the Micaia Foundation, a project partner, took community products to the Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) for the third time. The products stood out for their high quality and originality, attracting significant attention from both visitors and exhibitors.

These efforts culminated in winning second place in the Best Manufactured Product for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) category, reinforcing the project’s positive impact and the community’s ability to produce innovative and competitive goods.

The CBDC project continues to strengthen the balance between biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic development, empowering the communities of the PNC buffer zone and promoting a more sustainable future.

The Foundation for Biodiversity Conservation (BIOFUND) was part of the Mozambican delegation at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the largest global meeting dedicated to protecting the environment and biodiversity. Held in the city of Cali, this conference brought together heads of state, ministers and experts from more than 90 countries with the aim of strengthening the international commitment to protect and restore ecosystems, halt biodiversity loss and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. One of the main goals of COP16 is the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which establishes guidelines for countries to move forward with practical conservation measures and strengthen national biodiversity policies.

The Mozambican delegation, led by the Minister of Land and Environment, Ivete Maibaze, included representatives from the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), BIOFUND, the National Directorate of the Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries and several civil society organizations. Throughout the days of discussion, BIOFUND actively participated in panels and side events, where it promoted its experience in topics such as innovative financing mechanisms for biodiversity conservation, among others.

Among the topics addressed by BIOFUND, the panel on the “Blue Wall” stands out, an international mechanism that explores new sources of financing for the protection of the oceans. This concept aims to create a barrier of marine protected areas to conserve ocean biodiversity. In addition, discussions were held on biodiversity offsets, which are compensatory measures to mitigate negative environmental impacts caused by human activities.

BIOFUND also shared its experience on the role of marine exclusion zones led by local communities in marine conservation in Mozambique, demonstrating how these community practices reinforce the sustainability of marine resources. In another session, Director of Innovative Finance Sean Nazerali joined a panel on conservation finance mechanisms alongside Madagascar’s Minister of Environment. In this context, the role of conservation trust funds and the importance of sustainable finance for global biodiversity goals were discussed.

In addition to aligning national strategies with international goals, COP16 advances the development of a multilateral mechanism for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, a crucial point for ensuring the global commitment to biodiversity. For BIOFUND, participating in this event reaffirms its role in the search for innovative and sustainable solutions that contribute to building a resilient future for biodiversity and future generations.

Recently, the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Commercial Investment Bank (BCI) awarded one of the 2023 bio Card users.

The winner, Clarina, from Maputo Province, had the privilege of enjoying a unique experience alongside her husband. As part of the prize, she visited Maputo National Park (PNAM), one of the country’s Conservation Areas, where she was also treated to an overnight stay at an eco-resort and received sustainable gifts. Accompanied by teams from BIOFUND, BCI, and PNAM, Clarina embarked on an unforgettable safari, exploring breathtaking landscapes and observing the park’s rich wildlife. Among the highlights were encounters with the majestic elephant, one of Park’s most iconic species.

“It was an incredible and unique experience,” said Clarina Rodrigues. “Nature in its purest form and the chance to see elephants up close is something I will never forget.” Her husband, equally touched, emphasized the importance of promoting more initiatives like this, which not only bring people closer to nature but also raise greater awareness about the need to protect the environment.

Marta Aduge, Monitoring and Evaluation intern at BIOFUND, also shared her satisfaction: “Seeing the impact this initiative has on people and how the bio Card is helping conserve several important species and ecosystems is truly rewarding.”

For the BCI team visiting PNAM for the first time, this direct contact with nature was very important in strengthening awareness about biodiversity conservation.

Launched in 2017, the bio Card is Mozambique’s first biodegradable card and already has more than 37,222 users. This innovative initiative stems from a partnership between BCI and BIOFUND, through which, as part of its social responsibility policy, BCI allocates a percentage of the annual fee and card usage to support biodiversity conservation projects nationwide through BIOFUND. Thanks to this initiative, several conservation projects have already been funded, including the protection of rhinos, Raphia australis (a rare species found in Bobole), and the conservation of sea turtles in the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago Environmental Protection Area (APAIPS).

Currently, other important projects are underway, such as the conservation of Eduardo Mondlane University’s Botanical Garden, the identification of bird species in Banhine National Park, the fitting of collars on elephants to improve monitoring of their migrations in Moamba District, as well as the implementation of innovative sustainable electricity and water solutions in Cabo São Sebastião, and strengthened efforts to combat pangolin trafficking in Chimanimani National Park.

At the end of September 2024, the Incomati Conservation Area in Moamba District was the stage for an important wildlife conservation and protection activity, with the fitting of GPS collars on three male elephants, named Saseka (“beautiful” or “graceful,” reflecting the elephants’ beauty and majesty in the wild), Tintswalo (“compassion,” aiming to encourage compassionate attitudes toward wildlife), and Vutomi (“life,” highlighting the importance of preserving elephant lives).

The initiative, supported by BIOFUND, Mozambique Wildlife Alliance (MWA), and Incomati Conservation, in coordination with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), is part of the project “Voices of the Savanna: Elephants Monitored, Communities Heard,” which aims to mitigate conflicts between elephants and communities in Maputo Province, particularly in the districts of Moamba, Namaacha, and Matutuíne.

This one-year project seeks to monitor elephant movements using advanced technology, such as GPS collars. This approach provides real-time data on animal movements, helping to anticipate interactions between elephants and local populations, especially in Moamba, Namaacha, and Matutuíne. In addition to contributing to the protection of crops and community infrastructure, the initiative strengthens local capacities for the peaceful resolution of human-wildlife conflicts.

The fitting of the collars was made possible through support from the bio Card, a partnership between Commercial Investment Bank (BCI) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), in coordination with ANAC. The bio Card, Mozambique’s first biodegradable card, directs a portion of its revenue to support conservation projects like this one, at no additional cost to users.

This action not only strengthens efforts to preserve biodiversity but also represents a significant step toward promoting peaceful coexistence between communities and elephants, creating a sustainable and replicable model for other areas of Mozambique.

In another innovative action for biodiversity conservation, the bio Card, a joint initiative between the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Commercial Investment Bank (BCI), is funding three new projects aimed at strengthening the protection of national fauna and flora and improving the living conditions of local communities. These recently announced initiatives focus on the protection of key species and sustainable development in rural areas.

In partnership with Mozambique Wildlife Alliance, one of the projects aims to mitigate conflicts between elephants and communities along the Incomati River. The installation of an electric fence along the eastern river boundary is intended to reduce elephant-related incidents, promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants. The initiative also includes strengthening monitoring capacities in Moamba District (through the fitting of satellite collars on elephants and tracking their movements), where elephant activity has posed challenges for local residents.

At Chimanimani National Park, efforts are focused on combating illegal pangolin trafficking, one of the world’s most threatened species, listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The project involves creating conditions for pangolin rescue and rehabilitation, as well as training rangers and technicians in first aid for this species. Additionally, a monitoring system will be implemented to track the recovery of pangolin populations in the Manica corridor, a priority area for their conservation.

The third project, located in the Vilanculos Wildlife Sanctuary at Cabo São Sebastião, focuses on innovative solutions to improve community quality of life. Using OffGridBox technology, the project will provide access to sustainable electricity and safe drinking water. Infrastructure management will be conducted by a community cooperative, with revenues reinvested into new local development projects.

Through these initiatives, the bio Card reaffirms its commitment to the conservation of threatened species and essential ecosystems while involving local communities in protecting Mozambique’s natural heritage. These projects not only contribute to biodiversity conservation but also promote community development and ecological awareness among local populations.

On August 27, 2024, the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), in partnership with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) and with funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA-SWEDEN), delivered two new vehicles under the Biodiversity Conservation Program (2023-2027), coordinated by BIOFUND. These vehicles are designated for the Pomene National Reserve (RNP) and the Maputo Environmental Protection Area (APA Maputo), priority areas within the program.

Samiro Magane, Program Coordinator, emphasized the importance of this delivery in the context of BIOFUND and ANAC’s efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of Mozambique’s Conservation Areas. “These vehicles are a concrete example of how we are transforming financial resources into practical actions that directly support the protection of the country’s vital ecosystems. Our partnership with ANAC is crucial to ensuring that Conservation Areas have the necessary tools to address environmental challenges effectively and sustainably,” stated Magane.

Frida Rodhe, a representative from the Swedish Embassy, highlighted that this action goes beyond logistical support, representing Sweden’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation in Mozambique. “The Swedish Government recognizes that biodiversity conservation is intrinsically linked to climate issues and that strengthening operational capacities in protected areas is essential to addressing both challenges in an integrated manner. These resources are fundamental to ensuring that field teams can perform their duties efficiently, protecting critical ecosystems and enhancing the resilience of local communities in the face of climate change,” explained Rodhe.

Pejul Calenga, Director General of ANAC, praised the vehicle delivery as a significant step forward in strengthening conservation capacities. “With these resources and initiatives, Conservation Areas will be better equipped to tackle current conservation challenges, ensure sustainable biodiversity management, and bring significant benefits to local communities,” said Calenga.

He further noted that the support provided by the Biodiversity Conservation Program also aims to assist in the restructuring of the National Conservation Areas Network, the operationalization of the Malhazine Ecological Park, and the reclassification of the Lake Niassa Partial Reserve.

Calenga concluded by expressing optimism that this support would lead to significant improvements in conservation and biodiversity protection operations in the beneficiary areas, enhancing the effectiveness of patrols and enabling quicker responses to emergencies, thereby strengthening enforcement efforts.

The National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), in coordination with its co-manager partner Fondation François Sommer (FFS – IGF) and the European Union through the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Programme managed by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), is conducting a 15-day operation starting on August 7, 2024, to translocate 200 buffaloes from the Marromeu National Reserve to Gilé National Park, located in the districts of Pebane and Gilé, in Zambézia Province.

For ANAC’s Director General, Pejul Calenga, animal translocation operations represent a historic milestone for the national network of conservation areas.

“We are happy that with this translocation operation, we will witness yet another historic milestone for the national network of conservation areas. We will follow and observe this operation on the ground. This is an operation that should have taken place last year in 2023, but because of Cyclone Freddy, there were no access routes. However, we are here to carry out this historic operation. This is further proof of the Government of Mozambique’s commitment to the development of conservation areas. With the arrival of these buffaloes, we intend not only to restore ecological functions through the species restoration that inhabits the Park, but also to begin the process of creating conditions for exploring nature-based tourism value chain, aiming to promote private sector investment and attract more tourists to visit and experience the Parks and Reserves, especially our national tourists.” – said ANAC Director General, Pejul Calenga.

For Ricardo Rossi, Head of the Resilience, Climate Change, and Fragility Section of the European Union Delegation in Mozambique, “the buffalo translocation operation is an important step in the implementation of the PROMOVE Biodiversidade programme and for the long-term goal of restoring the original wildlife of Gilé National Park. To date, it is one of the programme’s main achievements, materializing the commitments made by the European Union through the EU Ecological Pact for Mozambique, as well as by NaturAfrica, the EU initiative supporting biodiversity conservation in Africa.”

According to BIOFUND’s Executive Director, Luís Bernardo Honwana, this operation represents a major milestone for the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Programme, one of BIOFUND’s managed programmes.

“This operation represents an essential collaborative effort for the restoration and protection of biodiversity in Gilé National Park, one of the three beneficiary areas of the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Programme, funded by the European Union. The translocation will not only help increase the buffalo population but will also strengthen ecological resilience and promote sustainable development in the region. As national conservation trust fund, BIOFUND is committed to mobilizing and managing financial resources exclusively for biodiversity conservation in Mozambique, ensuring that initiatives like this have a lasting and positive impact on our Conservation Areas.” – said BIOFUND Executive Director, Luís Bernardo Honwana.

For the Director General of Fondation François Sommer (FFS – IGF), Alban de Loisy, this translocation will increase the park’s buffalo population, currently estimated at 150 individuals, following two other translocations in the past ten years.

” Fondation François Sommer has been proud to work in partnership with the Ministry of Land and Environment and the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) to develop and protect Gilé National Park in Mozambique since 2007. This translocation of 200 buffaloes, the largest ever carried out in the country, has been planned over the past three years with the financial support of the European Union through the PROMOVE Biodiversidade programme, managed by BIOFUND. It will increase the park’s buffalo population, currently estimated at 150 individuals, following two other translocations over the past ten years. This operation, which requires considerable logistical and technical expertise, is another step in the recovery of Gilé’s wildlife.” – said Alban de Loisy, FFS – IGF Director General.

About five years after the last translocation in 2019, the current operation will include the participation of various ANAC interinstitutional partners, such as the Mozambique Republic Police (PRM), veterinarians, among others.

Gilé National Park is managed under Collaborative Management Partnerships between the Government of Mozambique, represented by the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), and Fondation François Sommer (FFS – IGF). Fondation François Sommer (FFS – IGF) is a public utility, non-profit organization established in 1966.

Gilé National Park, formerly a National Reserve, was one of three conservation areas recategorized by the Council of Ministers in 2020. This approach aims to align conservation areas within the current legal framework, since the Law No. 16/2014 of June 20, amended and republished as Law No. 5/2017 of May 5, revoked the category of National Reserve. The recategorization process of Conservation Areas aims to rationally and sustainably classify conservation areas into categories reflecting their realities, considering preservation status, integrity, and management of natural resources, habitats, and ecosystems. Consequently, Gilé National Park was elevated to a total conservation area.

In Gilé National Park, it is possible to observe large animals such as elephants and buffaloes across the savannah and miombo forest. Its proximity to Pebane and Moebase beaches, Gurué, and Mozambique Island makes the Park a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The dense miombo forests, plains, and riparian vegetation, home to hundreds of birds, reptile, and amphibian species, along with thermal springs and the distinct and lush Monte Pope, bring the Park’s landscape to life. For visitor enjoyment, the Park offers the Lice tourist camp located on the banks of the Lice River.

By road, Gilé National Park can be reached from the city of Quelimane or Nampula. Traveling in a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. Gilé National Park is approximately 492 km from Quelimane and 334 km from Mocuba District.

CONTACTS FOR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION OF CONSERVATION AREAS (ANAC)
Ivan Zacarias
Communications and Image Manager
ivan.zacarias@anac.gov.mz

FONDATION FRANÇOIS SOMMER (INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR FAUNA MANAGEMENT)
Rachele   Villa

PNAG Programme Communications Officer
r.villa@fondationfrancoissommer.org

𝐄𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 – 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌
Cláudia Rodrigues
Communication Coordinator for Cooperation
Claudia.rodrigues@eeas.europa.eu

𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃
Rui Esmael
Communication Coordinator
resmael@biofund.org.mz

The 2nd Edition of the Marine Biodiversity Conference, held on 17 and 18 June 2024 in Nacala-Porto, was a highly successful event, bringing together a total of 510 in-person participants and over 6,000 online participants over the two days of the event. This event, organised by BIOFUND in collaboration with the Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries and several national and international partners, highlighted the importance of conserving Mozambique’s marine and coastal ecosystems.

• Ecosystem-based adaptation: The need for decentralisation and an integrated approach and the promotion of new sustainable fishing techniques were highlighted. The importance of involving local communities in the management of marine resources and educating schoolchildren about environmental preservation were also central themes.

• Marine Conservation Areas: The challenges of resource use in protected areas, the expansion of protected area boundaries and the need for increased funding for conservation projects for marine invertebrates, which have been given less priority compared to large species, were discussed.

• Coastal and Marine Biodiversity: The importance of public disclosure of research data and conservation reports was highlighted, ensuring sharing, transparency and greater awareness of conservation efforts.

The Minister of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries, Lídia Cardoso, emphasized the need for clear and effective communication for the implementation of conservation measures and the vital role of sustainable fishing techniques. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of BIOFUND, Dr. Narciso Matos, reaffirmed BIOFUND’s commitment to resource mobilization and management for biodiversity conservation. Alexandra Jorge, Director of Programs at BIOFUND, highlighted the importance of integrating research themes into these debate events, whose results are the basis for making management and strategic decisions and for involving children in conservation initiatives.

The event provided a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, presenting innovative research and strengthening collaboration networks among participants.

The event was held with the generous support and engagement of numerous partners and funders.

The organizers included the Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries (MIMAIP), the Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique (InOM), Museus do Mar, Museu da História Natural, Administração Nacional das Áreas de Conservação (ANAC), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Eduardo Mondlane University, Lúrio University, Likhulu Foundation, Nacala Institute of Health Sciences, Repensar Environmental Education Cooperative, Mulala Marine Sanctuary and the Oikos Institute.

Funders include the Blue Action Fund – BAF, the Government of Sweden, the World Bank through MozBio 2, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – FAO project in partnership with the Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) and the Nairobi Convention, the German Cooperation through GIZ, the Peace Parks Foundation (PPF), the Italian Cooperation, RARE, ADRA, IDEA Global through USAID, the Blue Planet Fund UK, the Embassy of Portugal, the European Union through the PROMOVE Biodiversity Programme, WIOMSA, BCI, NED BANK, and MOZA.

The 2nd Edition of the Marine Biodiversity Conference concluded with the announcement of the venue for the next edition, in 2025, which will be held in the city of Beira, Sofala province. This decision aims to expand the scope of the event and continue to promote the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems in different regions of the country.

This conference was a unique opportunity to join forces and discuss effective strategies for the protection of Mozambique’s marine biodiversity. It is hoped that the recommendations and connections established during the event will inspire concrete and lasting actions, ensuring a more sustainable future for marine and coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The exhibition and environmental education activities integrated into the event will remain open to the public until June 23rd, at the Institute of Health Sciences in Nacala-Porto.

To find out more, visit our page for the 2nd edition of the Marine Biodiversity Conference https://www.biofund.org.mz/projects/conferencia-da-biodiversidade-marinha/.

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