The 2025 National Elephant and Large Mammal Census, funded by the Government of Sweden through the Biodiversity Conservation Programme coordinated by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), points to a sharp decline in poaching, strengthens national scientific capacity, and highlights the economic potential of wildlife.

Mozambique’s elephant population is now estimated at 22,718 individuals, more than double the 9,114 elephants recorded during the previous national census in 2018. The findings of the 2025 National Elephant and Large Mammal Census were presented on Friday, 24 July 2026, by the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC).

The survey also recorded a sharp decline in the elephant carcass ratio, from 48.35 percent in 2018 to 4.6 percent in 2025. This points to a strong reduction in recent mortality and confirms the decline of large-scale poaching, although pressure on habitats and the risk of human-wildlife conflict persist.

The census was carried out between September and November 2025 by the Centre for Agriculture and Natural Resources Management Studies (CEAGRE) of the Faculty of Agronomy and Forest Engineering at Eduardo Mondlane University, under the leadership of ANAC. It was funded by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), under the Biodiversity Conservation Programme coordinated by BIOFUND, with technical support from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The results also underwent an independent technical review.

Scientific data to guide decisions

According to Pejul Calenga, Director General of ANAC, the estimated recovery of the elephant population reflects stronger law enforcement and transboundary cooperation, but also requires more effective management of coexistence between people and wildlife.

“This result represents a historic recovery of the species in Mozambique, doubling the population recorded in 2018 and bringing us close to the levels observed in 2008,” said Pejul Calenga.

Beyond updating elephant population estimates, the census provides information to guide the management of Conservation Areas, strengthen law enforcement, protect habitats, improve land-use planning, and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. It also identified the expansion of human settlements, agriculture, livestock production, charcoal production, and mining into areas previously less affected by these activities.

The survey also indicates stable or increasing populations of several large mammal species, including buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hippopotamus, impala, and waterbuck. For the first time, southern Mozambique holds the largest share of the national elephant population, estimated at about 53 percent. This dynamic reflects not only reproduction, but also animal movements within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area and ecological connectivity between Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Science, national capacity, and economic value

The census was conducted by a national multidisciplinary team comprising researchers, technicians, and specialists from different institutions, marking an important step in strengthening Mozambique’s scientific capacity. According to Sean Nazerali, BIOFUND’s Director of Innovative Finance, regular monitoring is essential to measure the results of investments in conservation.

“This census is much more than a simple wildlife count. It is, in fact, a strategic investment in scientific knowledge in the country. We cannot effectively manage what we do not know,” said Sean Nazerali.

Samir Magane, BIOFUND’s Biodiversity Conservation Programme Coordinator, also highlighted the economic potential of these resources:

“We must see wildlife not as a problem, but as a resource that can stimulate the country’s development. We have a wildlife economy that is still underdeveloped and has great potential to leverage national development and generate jobs and revenue.”

The seminar recommended more regular censuses, harmonised methodologies, and the testing of technologies such as drones, remote sensors, and high-resolution imagery.

Maputo, 23 July 2026: The National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) will hold the Seminar to Disseminate the Results of the 2025 National Elephant and Large Mammal Census on 24 July 2026. The event represents an important milestone for biodiversity conservation in Mozambique.

The census was conducted between September and November 2025, with financial support from the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), through the Biodiversity Conservation Programme funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and with technical support from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The survey was conducted by the Centre for Agriculture and Natural Resource Management Studies (CEAGRE), in partnership with BassAir Aviation and under the leadership of ANAC. It generated updated scientific information on the status of elephant and other large mammal populations in their main areas of occurrence in the country. The census provided data on their abundance, distribution, population trends, mortality levels and the main threats to their conservation.

The results provide an important basis for strengthening the management of Conservation Areas, defining public policies and biodiversity conservation strategies, and fulfilling Mozambique’s national and international commitments to wildlife protection.

The results dissemination seminar will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in a hybrid format, at the Montebelo Hotel Conference Centre in Maputo. It will bring together representatives of government institutions, cooperation partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation. The event will provide a platform for sharing the main census results and reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for wildlife conservation in the country.

The National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) held an induction workshop from 13 to 15 July 2026 in Ponta do Ouro for newly appointed Park and National Reserve Administrators, Division Directors, Heads of Office, Department Heads and Section Heads. The initiative was designed to strengthen their technical, administrative and leadership capacities, contributing to more effective, transparent and coordinated management of Mozambique’s Conservation Areas.

Bringing together staff from ANAC Headquarters and managers from Conservation Areas across the country, the workshop provided a platform for learning, institutional alignment and the exchange of experiences on the responsibilities and challenges associated with their new roles.

Over the three-day programme, participants deepened their knowledge of the legal and policy framework for conservation, law enforcement and Conservation Area management, human resource management, institutional leadership and institutional communication, labour dispute management, human-wildlife conflict, and mechanisms for community participation in biodiversity conservation.

The programme also featured sessions on planning, monitoring and evaluation tools, ANAC’s institutional development, and conservation financing mechanisms. As part of these discussions, the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) presented its role in mobilising financial resources for biodiversity conservation and supporting the sustainable management of Mozambique’s Conservation Areas.

The workshop also served as an opportunity to harmonise procedures, strengthen coordination between ANAC’s central and local structures, and foster a more integrated approach aligned with Mozambique’s national conservation priorities.

The induction workshop was organised by ANAC under the Biodiversity Conservation Programme, with support from BIOFUND and funding from the Government of Sweden. The Programme contributes to strengthening ANAC’s institutional capacity at both the central and Conservation Area levels, recognising that well-qualified workforce is essential to improving protected area management and safeguarding Mozambique’s natural heritage.

Mozambique’s nature economy accounts for an estimated 20% to 25% of the country’s rural economy, with an annual value estimated at between USD 1 billion and USD 1.5 billion. Despite its significance, the economic value of ecosystems and the sectors that depend on them is not yet fully recognised in planning, investment and decision-making processes.

Against this backdrop, the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) formalised, on [DATE], in Maputo, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening the link between biodiversity conservation, economic development and private sector engagement.

The partnership provides a framework for developing joint initiatives in three priority areas: promoting the nature economy, mobilising climate finance and advancing environmental certification instruments applicable to nature-dependent economic activities.

Through this cooperation, BIOFUND and CTA aim to support the greater integration of nature’s value into economic and business decision-making, while encouraging responsible investment that aligns economic growth, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

The partnership will also bring together BIOFUND’s technical knowledge and experience and CTA’s private sector representation and mobilisation capacity, creating opportunities to develop shared positions, initiatives and solutions.

Areas to be explored include natural capital valuation, access to green and climate finance opportunities, and the promotion of mechanisms that recognise and incentivise environmentally responsible business practices.

The partnership reflects the recognition that sectors such as tourism, fisheries, forestry and other nature-dependent activities rely on healthy ecosystems to remain sustainable and continue contributing to the national economy.

Through this MoU, BIOFUND reinforces its commitment to mobilising resources and promoting innovative solutions for biodiversity conservation, while CTA expands private sector engagement in building a more sustainable and resilient economy that recognises the value of Mozambique’s natural heritage.

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the Mozambique LNG Project, operated by TotalEnergies EP Mozambique Area 1, Lda. (TEPMA1), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 2 July 2026, marking the commencement of a strategic partnership aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation and the development of nature-based solutions in Mozambique.

The Memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation between BIOFUND and TEPMA1 to develop initiatives that balance economic development with biodiversity conservation, thereby contributing to the protection of natural capital and the promotion of sustainable development in Mozambique. Under this partnership, the two institutions will collaborate in identifying and implementing investment opportunities in nature-based solutions, sharing technical and scientific knowledge, and supporting actions that contribute to biodiversity impact mitigation and the achievement of net biodiversity gain, in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements in Mozambique.

The Memorandum represents an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between the private sector and a conservation-financing institution. It lays the foundation for a partnership that combines environmental responsibility with sustainable development.

For BIOFUND, this partnership represents another step forward in mobilizing new partners for biodiversity conservation initiatives in Mozambique, while promoting innovative solutions that contribute to the preservation of ecosystems and the well-being of the communities that depend on them.

During the signing ceremony, Jean-Pascal Clemençon, Senior representative of TotalEnergies EP Mozambique Area 1, Lda. said: Mozambique’s extraordinary biodiversity is one of its greatest assets, and through this partnership with BIOFUND, the Mozambique LNG project is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that conservation and development are mutually reinforcing goals. Together, we can build innovative solutions that protect ecosystems, strengthen communities, and contribute to a future where economic progress and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

About Mozambique LNG project

Mozambique LNG is the first onshore development of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in the country. The project includes the development of the Golfinho and Atum fields located within Offshore Area 1 and the construction of a two-trains liquefaction plant with a capacity of 13.12 million tonnes per year. Area 1 contains approximately up to 65 Tcf of gas resources, of which 18 Tcf will be developed with the first two trains. TotalEnergies EP Mozambique Area 1 Limitada, a wholly owned subsidiary of TotalEnergies SE, operates the Mozambique LNG project with a 26.5% stake, together with Mitsui E&P Mozambique Area1 Limited (20%), ENH Rovuma Area 1, SA (15%), ONGC Videsh Rovuma Limited (10%), Beas Rovuma Energy Mozambique Limited (10%), BPRL Ventures Mozambique BV (10%), and PTTEP Mozambique Area 1 Limited (8.5%).

On 24 June 2026, the district of Sanga, in Niassa Province, hosted the closing ceremony of the MozNorte Project, implemented by Helvetas Mozambique with funding from the World Bank, through the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND). The event brought together government representatives, development partners and local communities to mark the key achievements accomplished during the project’s 23 months of implementation.

The ceremony was chaired by the Secretary of State for Niassa Province, Silva Livone, who officially inaugurated the Radio Communication System Centre, an infrastructure designed to strengthen community communication, improve natural resource monitoring, and enhance responses to human-wildlife conflict. The system will enable more efficient communication among local communities, community rangers and other stakeholders involved in natural resource management.

Another important milestone was the official handover of the Community Land Use Plans to the communities participating in the Chipanje Chetu Community Programme, conducted by the National Directorate of Land and Territorial Development (DNTDT). These plans represent a significant step towards community land-use planning, reinforcing land tenure security and guiding the sustainable use of natural resources by beneficiary communities.

During the event, the project’s main achievements were presented. The project aimed to establish a responsible and transparent governance system, develop businesses based on the sustainable management of natural resources, improve natural resource management and monitoring, and create the conditions necessary for the establishment of a Community Conservation Area in accordance with national legislation.

Among the key results achieved were the strengthening of Natural Resource Management Committees and other community structures, the development of nine Community Land Use Plans, support for income-generating activities, including sustainable agriculture, beekeeping, aquaculture and livestock production as well as training young people to promote self-employment. The project also contributed to increasing the participation of women and youth in natural resource management, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and promoting environmental education in schools and local communities.

On the occasion, the Chairperson of the Natural Resource Management Committee (COGECO) highlighted the positive impact of the project’s interventions on local communities.

“In the past, we faced many challenges in managing our natural resources and addressing community needs. Today, we have greater knowledge, better tools and stronger capacity to protect our resources while developing activities that generate benefits for our families.”

The interventions also improved access to safe drinking water through the rehabilitation of 15 community water sources, strengthened local governance mechanisms, and created sustainable economic opportunities for hundreds of households across the beneficiary communities.

In their remarks, representatives of Helvetas Mozambique, BIOFUND, and government authorities praised the commitment of the communities and project partners, emphasizing that the results achieved demonstrate the importance of an integrated approach that combines biodiversity conservation, local economic development, and community participation.

In officially closing the project, the Secretary of State for Niassa Province reaffirmed the importance of continuing conservation and community development efforts, encouraging local communities to make effective use of the knowledge, tools and capacities acquired to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources and the continuous improvement of their livelihoods.

The MozNorte Project leaves behind a legacy of strengthened capacities, consolidated community management instruments, and a solid foundation for the continuation of conservation and sustainable development initiatives within the Chipanje Chetu Community Area.

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

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

Support to Conservation Areas Remained Above USD 12 Million

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

Human Capital and Environmental Education in the Spotlight

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

Strengthened Governance and Transparency

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

Members Raise Concerns About Human–Wildlife Conflict and Funding

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

Institutional Continuity and Tribute

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

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

The city of Maputo hosted the 4th Marine Biodiversity Conference (MBC) on 11–12 June 2026, as part of the 3rd Growing Blue Conference. Held at Glória Hotel, the event brought together more than 762 in-person participants and over 2,350 online attendees, including representatives from government institutions, research organizations, civil society, academia, the private sector, coastal communities, and development partners. The conference served as a platform to discuss solutions that reconcile marine biodiversity conservation with the sustainable development of Mozambique’s Blue Economy.

Throughout the two-day event, discussions converged around a central message: there can be no sustainable blue economy without healthy marine biodiversity. During the opening session, Carlos dos Santos, Chairman of BIOFUND, emphasized that “the conservation of marine resources is not only an environmental responsibility. It is also an economic, social, and moral responsibility.” He further stated that “Mozambique’s blue future will depend on our collective ability to transform knowledge into action, science into public policy, and conservation into opportunities for sustainable development.”

On the same occasion, Roberto Mito Albino, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, highlighted the unique importance of the Marine Biodiversity Conference by noting that:

“The Marine Biodiversity Conference brings to this discussion the essential foundation that supports any vision of blue development: ecosystems, species, habitats, marine conservation areas, scientific knowledge, coastal communities, and environmental education.”

Participants emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation among institutions, invest in the generation and application of scientific knowledge, enhance the participation of local communities, and mobilize innovative financing mechanisms to ensure the protection of the country’s marine and coastal ecosystems.

Among the conference’s major milestones were the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BIOFUND and PROAZUL, aimed at developing sustainable financing mechanisms, including resource mobilization for marine and coastal biodiversity conservation initiatives, and the signing of the Commitment Declaration for the implementation of the National Framework for Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), reinforcing Mozambique’s alignment with the Global 30×30 Target.

The Declaration was endorsed by a wide range of stakeholders, including government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and research entities, all of whom play a complementary role in the identification, recognition, and implementation of OECMs in Mozambique. This collective commitment seeks to consolidate an integrated approach to biodiversity conservation, ensuring that areas managed by different actors and sectors effectively contribute to national and global conservation targets.

The conference featured 44 oral presentations, 38 scientific posters, and parallel sessions covering marine protected area management, marine megafauna conservation, biodiversity, climate change, marine ecosystems and restoration, nature-based solutions, community governance, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal habitat conservation. These sessions reinforced the importance of bridging the gap between research and decision-making and transforming scientific data into policies, programmes, and concrete actions on the ground.

The program also included an exhibition on marine ecosystems and conservation, held between 13 and 17 June at the Maritime Museums in Maputo. The exhibition brought together photographs, educational materials, and information on Mozambique’s marine and coastal species, providing a space for environmental awareness and education for different audiences. Over the five days, the exhibition received around 340 visitors, highlighting the growing interest in the conservation of the country’s marine ecosystems.

One of the conference’s highlights was its recognition of coastal communities, particularly through discussions on conservation with value, incentives, community governance, and Women Guardians of the Oceans. These sessions reinforced the understanding that conservation efforts can only be sustainable if they generate tangible benefits for those who depend daily on marine resources and actively participate in their management. Reflecting on her participation in the Women Guardians of the Oceans side event, held within the framework of the Marine Biodiversity Conference, participant and speaker Madalena Duarte summarized the educational dimension of the discussion by stating:

“Educating for the ocean also means nurturing more aware, committed, and prepared citizens capable of addressing the environmental challenges of both the present and the future.”

Across the various sessions, a common message emerged: marine biodiversity conservation cannot be achieved in isolation. Success will depend on strengthening partnerships, securing long-term financing, bringing science closer to decision-making processes, and creating tangible benefits for communities whose livelihoods depend on marine resources.

The conference was complemented by an exhibition on marine ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, hosted at the Museum of the Sea until 17 June and open to the public. The initiative offers an opportunity to explore the richness of Mozambique’s marine biodiversity, raise awareness about the importance of its conservation, and engage different audiences with the themes discussed during the conference.

The successful organization of the 4th Marine Biodiversity Conference was made possible through the joint efforts of several partner institutions, namely the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, the Blue Economy Development Fund (PROAZUL), the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), the Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique, Eduardo Mondlane University, the Museums of the Sea and Natural History, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Peace Parks Foundation, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), ADRA Mozambique, the Marine Megafauna Foundation, Rare, WWF, UniLúrio, UniISCED, the Higher Polytechnic Institute of Quissico, UniZambeze, Chepea Association, and the Luxury Networks Association.

The conference also benefited from the support of development partners and donors, including the Blue Action Fund, the World Bank through the MozNorte Project, the Government of Sweden through the Biodiversity Conservation Programme, FAO, GIZ through the Prosper Azul Project co-financed by BMZ and the European Union, and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), all of whom support marine biodiversity conservation initiatives in Mozambique.

During the closing session, the organization of the 5th Marine Biodiversity Conference in 2027 was announced, reaffirming the continuity of this platform for dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge sharing in support of ocean conservation and the sustainable development of Mozambique.

Relive the highlights of the 4th Marine Biodiversity Conference on BIOFUND’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BIOFUND.Mozambique

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) recently participated in the Gala Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), a moment dedicated to recognising the progress achieved in biodiversity conservation in Mozambique and reaffirming the shared commitment to protecting the country’s natural heritage.

The ceremony brought together Government representatives, cooperation partners, co-management entities, the private sector, civil society organisations, managers of Conservation Areas, and other stakeholders who have contributed over the past 15 years to strengthening Mozambique’s National Conservation Areas System.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the preliminary results of the 2025 National Elephant and Large Mammal Census, an exercise led by ANAC in partnership with BIOFUND and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and funded by Sweden. Designed to generate robust scientific information on the status of wildlife in the country, the census assessed the abundance, distribution, and population trends of elephants and other large mammal species, providing essential data to guide conservation policies and strategies.

The results reveal encouraging signs of wildlife recovery in Mozambique, with an estimated population of approximately 21,700 elephants—more than double the number recorded in 2018—as well as a significant reduction in the number of carcasses, a positive indicator of the effectiveness of anti-poaching efforts.

During the gala, BIOFUND was awarded a Certificate of Merit by ANAC in recognition of its role in strengthening the financial sustainability of conservation in Mozambique. The distinction highlights the Foundation’s contribution to the development and consolidation of the National Conservation Areas Network through resource mobilisation, support for the management of protected areas, and the promotion of initiatives that ensure biodiversity conservation for present and future generations.

Upon receiving the award, BIOFUND reiterated its commitment to continue working closely with ANAC, the Government, local communities, education and research institutions, as well as conservation and development partners, contributing to increasingly effective, sustainable, and inclusive conservation efforts in Mozambique.

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), in partnership with the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), the Embassy of Sweden, Maputo National Park (PNAM), the Maputo Environmental Protection Area (APA Maputo), Maputo Conservation Company (MCC), and the Community Association for the Conservation of the Futhi Corridor (ACCF), conducted a monitoring visit on 28 May 2026 to the fencing works of the Muwai Community Conservation Area, located in the buffer zone of Maputo National Park.

The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress of the fencing works, evaluate the implementation status of activities on the ground, and strengthen dialogue with field implementers regarding the role of this infrastructure in biodiversity conservation and the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict.

Funded by Sweden through BIOFUND under the Biodiversity Conservation Programme, implemented in close collaboration with ANAC, the initiative represents an important contribution to strengthening community-based conservation in Mozambique, while simultaneously promoting the protection of natural resources and improving the livelihoods of local communities.

During the visit, participants observed the progress of the infrastructure and interacted with members of ACCF, as well as managers from MCC, PNAM, and APA Maputo, who shared their perspectives on the positive impacts already observed since the project’s implementation began.

Among the results already recorded are the reduction of elephant incursions into agricultural areas, decreased crop losses, and the consequent improvement of food security for families in the region. Participants also highlighted the strengthening of community participation and the growing sense of collective responsibility for the sustainable management of natural resources.

This intervention is part of a broader set of actions aimed at strengthening the management of the Muwai Community Conservation Area, including environmental education activities, support for the development of sustainable livelihoods, and capacity building for local community governance structures.

Participants emphasised that the Muwai experience represents a concrete example of solutions based on collaboration between communities and conservation institutions, demonstrating the potential of such approaches to promote harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife while contributing to ecosystem conservation.

The fencing works are currently in their final phase, with the official inauguration expected by the end of June this year. This will mark an important milestone in strengthening community conservation and fostering coexistence between local communities and wildlife in the region.

Technicians, rangers and communication officers from several Conservation Areas are taking part in a practical audiovisual production training, promoted under the partnership between ANAC and BIOFUND, with support from the MozNorte Project.

Technicians, rangers and communication officers from several Conservation Areas across Mozambique have begun a filmmaking training programme focused on biodiversity conservation at Maputo National Park. The initiative is being implemented under the partnership between the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), with support from the MozNorte Project, financed by the World Bank.

The training is conducted within the framework of the Mozambique Conservation Leadership Programme (PLCM) and aims to strengthen practical audiovisual production skills, from story planning, image and sound capture, to editing and developing short, clear and relevant narratives for different audiences.

Over the course of approximately three weeks, participants will have the opportunity to work on topics related to biodiversity, wildlife, law enforcement, tourism, local communities, environmental education, environmental citizenship and conservation challenges.

During the opening session, the host of Maputo National Park (PNAM), Miguel Gonçalves (Administrator of Maputo National Park), welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of making the most of this opportunity in a place of high ecological and symbolic value for the country.

“Make the most of this opportunity in the only natural World Heritage site in our country,” he stated.

For BIOFUND, this training responds to the need to strengthen skills within the national conservation system, enabling professionals working directly in the field to better document what they observe, experience and protect.

Alexandra Jorge, BIOFUND’s Programmes Director, explained that the initiative is aligned with the Foundation’s role in promoting knowledge, capacity building and collaboration among partners.

“You will learn mechanisms and tools that can help document and disseminate information about wildlife, communities and Conservation Area staff,” she stated.

The BIOFUND representative also highlighted that this is a pilot experience with strong potential to be replicated in other Conservation Areas if results prove positive.

“Our hope is that you will be able to share and teach what you learn here with colleagues from your Conservation Areas,” she added.

The training is facilitated by Dave McGowan, an American professional with extensive international experience in film production for public institutions, non-governmental organisations and conservation-related initiatives. During his intervention, the trainer emphasised that the main objective of the programme is not to turn participants into professional filmmakers, but rather to equip them to communicate essential conservation messages more effectively.

“I do not make films for entertainment; I make films to communicate important messages to their intended audiences,” said Dave McGowan.

The trainer also stressed the importance of producing content tailored to local audiences, including the use of local languages whenever videos are intended for communities.

“Producing videos in local languages and presenting them to communities is a sign of respect for the communities themselves,” he emphasised.

Among participants, expectations are high. Dário Agostinho (Zambeze Delta Safaris) highlighted the importance of capturing events that are often unique and cannot be repeated.

“Sometimes, when we are in the field, something remarkable happens, but we do not have a camera. This training will be very valuable for documenting events that may never happen again,” he stated.

Batista Biscuete, who works in communications at PNAM, also highlighted the challenge of producing complete content with limited teams.

“In conservation, I am the producer — I have to write, film, edit, evaluate and monitor social media,” he explained.

For Rosa Ferrão (Lipiliche Wilderness), the training represents an opportunity to give greater visibility to the role of communities, women and young people in conservation.

“I hope to gain the ability to tell the conservation story through rural women, young people, rangers and conservation guards,” she stated.

The initiative reinforces the joint commitment of ANAC, BIOFUND and the MozNorte Project to strengthen the capacities of Conservation Areas by promoting communication that is more accessible, closer to communities and better connected to on-the-ground realities.

By investing in storytelling capacity, the training contributes to increasing the visibility of the work carried out in Conservation Areas, strengthening connections among communities, institutions and the general public, while recognizing the role of those who work daily to protect Mozambique’s biodiversity.

Communities in the buffer zone of the Mágoè National Park (MNP) now benefit from two silos for the safe storage of agricultural produce, an initiative that strengthens efforts to mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) implemented in communities located within and around this Conservation Area.

The activity is being implemented by the Mozambique Wildlife Alliance (MWA) under the Sustainable Rural Economy Programme (MozRural), funded by the World Bank, and forms part of joint efforts to reduce the impacts of conflict between communities and elephants in Tete Province.

The infrastructure was designed to strengthen the protection of agricultural production by ensuring adequate and secure post-harvest storage conditions, reducing losses caused by elephant incursions and other wild animals.

This initiative complements the implementation of the first electrified fences in the districts of Mágoè and Cahora Bassa, completed in 2025 under the partnership between the Foudation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), and MWA. The fences cover approximately 130 hectares of agricultural land and directly benefit families vulnerable to human-wildlife conflict.

Through these integrated actions, the MozRural Programme continues to promote sustainable solutions that reconcile biodiversity conservation, community protection, and rural development in Mozambique’s Conservation Areas.

The Chipanje Chetu Area, in Niassa Province, now has a newly installed radio communication system successfully implemented under the MozNorte Project. The intervention also included the delivery of new uniforms, work equipment, and communication radios to community rangers operating in this conservation area.

The installation of the system represents an important step forward in coordinating field operations, particularly in a vast and difficult-to-cover area where fast and secure communication is essential for patrol activities, incident response, and the protection of natural resources. The system will enable dispatching, recording, and monitoring of operations, improving patrol efficiency and real-time incident response.

The system includes three digital repeaters installed in the communities of II Congresso, Nova Madeira, and Maumbica, as well as a dispatch and tracking centre at the headquarters of Lipilichi Wilderness. This multi-repeater configuration will expand communication capacity among field teams, including community rangers and anti-poaching units.

Through this intervention, around 80 community rangers and anti-poaching teams will benefit from a secure, scalable, and operationally adapted VHF communication system in Chipanje Chetu, covering an area of approximately 6,500 km².

In addition to improving patrol operations and field coordination, the system contributes to protecting people, livelihoods, and natural resources in the communities covered by the Chipanje Chetu Community Conservation Project.

Provincial workshops identified and trained more than 50 focal points in the provinces of Sofala and Inhambane for the effective implementation of the Directive on Biodiversity Offsets in Mozambique, approved under Ministerial Diploma No. 55/2022 of 19 May.

The workshops took place on 5–6 May in Inhambane and on 12–13 May 2026 in the city of Beira, Sofala Province, bringing together technical staff from central, provincial, and district government institutions working in the fields of environment, mining, conservation, and land-use planning. Participants included representatives from the National Directorate for Environment and Climate Change (DINAMC), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), the National Agency for Environmental Quality Control (AQUA), the National Directorate of Geology and Mines (DNGM), the National Mining Institute (INAMI), Provincial Environment Services (SPA), District Services for Planning and Infrastructure (SDPI), and District Services for Economic Activities (SDAE).

The initiative was promoted by DINAMC in partnership with WCS and BIOFUND through the COMBO+ Programme, at a time when Mozambique is experiencing rapid growth in mining, energy, and infrastructure projects, reinforcing the need to balance economic development with biodiversity conservation.

The training aimed to strengthen local technical capacities and increase the involvement of provincial and district structures in the implementation and monitoring of Biodiversity Offsets, while promoting stronger institutional coordination in environmental management and project licensing processes.

During the sessions, participants enhanced their knowledge of the Mitigation Hierarchy, Environmental Impact Assessment legislation, and the application of the Biodiversity Offsets Directive. Practical exercises were also conducted using technical tools and platforms, including the Red List of species and ecosystems, Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), the Mining Cadastre, and the Mozambique Biodiversity Information System (SIBMOZ).

At the closing session of the Sofala workshop, the Director of the Provincial Environment Services, Maquias dos Santos Chiutano, highlighted that:

“…the training represented an important step towards strengthening governance in the environmental sector and enhancing the institutional capacity required to address the challenges associated with the rapid growth of development projects in Mozambique.”

He further added that:

“(…) the country is currently undertaking a strategic review of the Environmental Policy and Environmental Law, with the aim of modernising the legal framework and aligning Mozambique with the requirements of sustainable development and international best practices.”

At the conclusion of the workshops, participants committed to formally validating the provincial groups of biodiversity offset focal points. The initiative is financially supported by the Government of Sweden through the Biodiversity Conservation Program.

The Pomene National Reserve is conducting an induction programme from 12 to 15 May in the town of Massinga, Inhambane Province, targeting 25 new staff members recently recruited through the National Agency for Environmental Quality Control (AQUA, IP).

The initiative aims to strengthen the technical and institutional capacities of the new rangers, promoting a better understanding of the functioning of Conservation Areas, professional duties, principles of administrative management, and essential tools for more efficient, responsible, and conservation-oriented performance aligned with biodiversity conservation challenges.

The opening ceremony took place on Tuesday, 12 May, and was led by the Administrator of Pomene National Reserve, Abílio Tamele, who highlighted the importance of the induction for the integration of the new staff members and for strengthening the Reserve’s team. In his remarks, he encouraged participants to make the most of the knowledge shared throughout the training, stressing that this moment represents an important step towards consolidating the professional capacities of staff assigned to the Reserve.

On the first day, sessions focused on Personnel Management and Administration, as well as Occupational Health and Safety, key topics to ensure organised, safe, and responsible performance in the execution of duties. Throughout the remaining days, the programme includes sessions on Conservation Area Governance, Conservation Area Management and Operations, Planning and Monitoring, Safeguards and Gender-Based Violence, as well as Protection and Law Enforcement.

The Protection and Law Enforcement component will also include a practical field activity involving GPS data collection, allowing participants to apply technical knowledge directly related to field operations.

The training is delivered by technicians from the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), as part of efforts to strengthen the competencies of new staff members at Pomene National Reserve.

The activity falls within the implementation of the Biodiversity Conservation Programme, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and coordinated by the BIOFUND, in partnership with ANAC. The programme aims to enhance biodiversity conservation and improve adaptability and resilience to climate change in Mozambique’s Conservation Areas, including Pomene National Reserve.

Through this induction, the Pomene National Reserve takes another step towards strengthening its institutional capacity, creating better conditions for the management, protection, and conservation of its ecosystems, for the benefit of biodiversity and communities that depend on natural resources.

In the context of the new phase of the cooperation programme between the Government of Mozambique and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), known as Compact II, Alicia Robinson-Morgan, Acting Deputy Vice President for Africa at MCC, paid a courtesy visit to BIOFUND in Maputo.

The visit took place following the signing, on 29 April 2026 in Maputo, of an Aide-Mémoire between the Government of Mozambique and MCC, represented by the Minister of Planning and Development, Salim Valá, and Alicia Robinson-Morgan. The document establishes the basis for a new phase of programme implementation.

This milestone reaffirms the strength of the partnership between Mozambique and the United States of America and signals a renewed commitment to a transformative agenda focused on sustainable economic growth, investment mobilisation, and the strengthening of institutions.

The occasion provided an opportunity to reinforce institutional dialogue on biodiversity conservation, natural resource governance, risk mitigation, responsible investment, and the role of natural capital in Mozambique’s sustainable development.

During the visit, BIOFUND shared its experience as a national Conservation Trust Fund, established to support long-term financing for biodiversity and Conservation Areas. The importance of sustainable financial mechanisms, such as endowments, was highlighted, as they enable long-term planning and a more agile response to critical sector needs.

Results were also presented demonstrating BIOFUND’s evolution as a national platform for mobilising and channeling funds for conservation. In recent years, the institution has channelled approximately USD 138 million to projects, consolidated an endowment of USD 67 million, and disbursed around USD 55 million to Conservation Areas.

BIOFUND’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic was also highlighted as an example of the importance of having strong national institutions with rapid response capacity and field presence. Within two months, BIOFUND structured a support mechanism for the private sector and the Government, mobilising USD 3.5 million and supporting around one thousand people/families over 18 months.

As part of MCC’s engagement with implementing partners, including BIOFUND, a partner of CLCR, the commitment demonstrated throughout the period of uncertainty was acknowledged, and the continuity of the cooperation programme was reaffirmed.

The new strategic ambition of CLCR was also underscored, aimed at stimulating sectors linked to strategic natural resources through strengthened governance, risk mitigation, and the creation of more favourable conditions for responsible investment.

The visit reinforced recognition of BIOFUND’s strategic role in biodiversity conservation in Mozambique, as well as the centrality of natural capital as a pillar for development, value creation, and economic resilience for the country.

Mount Mabu has taken an important step towards strengthening community-based conservation with the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of a camp to support the management of the area, marking the beginning of a new phase in consolidating operational conditions on the ground.

Held on April 17 of the current year, the groundbreaking ceremony was led by the Coordinator of the Mount Mabu Conservation and Community Development Support Project, António Serra, and the President of CONSERVAMABU. The event was preceded by a traditional ceremony led by the community leader of Nangaze, symbolizing the involvement of local communities in management processes.

Following a planning period, during which the architectural design and the camp’s master plan were developed, the project now moves into its initial construction phase with the active involvement of community members. This stage includes the construction of four type-1 houses, intended to accommodate technical staff, as well as a kitchen with a dining area, creating basic conditions for on-site presence and operations.

The construction of the camp represents a decisive step in strengthening the operational presence in Mount Mabu, improving logistical conditions for the management and conservation of this important ecosystem. In the medium term, it is also expected to foster the development of technical-scientific tourism and beyond. The expansion of infrastructure is planned as additional resources are mobilized.

This initiative is part of the PROMOVE Biodiversity Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), in coordination with the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC). The programme aims to promote biodiversity conservation and the sustainable development of local communities in three beneficiary conservation areas: Gilé National Park (PNAG), the Primeiras and Segundas Environmental Protection Area (APAIPS), and Mount Mabu, where activities are implemented by the WWF–ReGeCom–RADEZA Consortium.

In addition to its conservation impact, the initiative directly contributes to boosting the local economy by promoting income-generating opportunities and strengthening community involvement in the sustainable management of natural resources. The camp also establishes the basic conditions for developing Mount Mabu’s tourism potential by supporting future ecotourism activities, which may generate additional economic benefits for local communities.

With this progress, Mount Mabu strengthens its position as an example of community-based conservation, where biodiversity conservation goes hand in hand with local development.

In Cheringoma and Muanza, in Sofala Province, forest and sawmill residues are gaining a new use: the production of certified charcoal, with controlled origin and no intentional tree cutting. The initiative, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and biochar, implemented by LevasFlor, presents itself as a more responsible alternative to the informal charcoal that dominates the national market.

Certification indicates that the raw material used comes from responsible forest management, with environmental, social and economic criteria recognized internationally. In a market often marked by informality, this certification helps to build greater consumer confidence and to differentiate products with controlled origin.

Funded through Bio Card funds, the initiative, implemented between April and October 2024, focuses on the valorisation of forest and sawmill residues for the production of high-quality charcoal certified by the FSC, while simultaneously contributing to forest conservation and local economic development.

Currently, production is at an advanced operational stage, with encouraging results. Output has reached around 11.9 tonnes of charcoal from residual biomass, in a process that avoids intentional tree cutting and promotes a circular economy approach.

The raw material used comes mainly from residues of the timber industry, such as offcuts, branches and rejected wood, with emphasis on the species messassa (Brachystegia spiciformis), typical of miombo woodlands, recognized for its high density and energy efficiency. This model helps reduce pressure on forest resources.

In addition to charcoal, the project also includes the production of biochar, a product used in agriculture to improve soil quality. When applied correctly, it helps the soil retain more water and nutrients, contributing to more resilient agricultural practices among local communities.

In a context where the national charcoal market is largely dominated by informal chains, with inconsistent quality and lack of environmental control, the introduction of certified charcoal represents a strategic opportunity. There is growing demand for more consistent products, especially in urban centres and in the restaurant sector, where quality, burn durability and sustainable origin are becoming increasingly important.

The initiative also includes the development of packaging adapted to the formal market, in different formats, as well as the establishment of partnerships for distribution through structured channels, contributing to the organization of a more transparent and efficient value chain.

With a forest concession of 46,240 hectares of miombo woodland under responsible management, LevasFlor reinforces, through this project, its commitment to biodiversity conservation, carbon retention and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods.

“I am a young conservationist dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the sustainable management of natural resources. I believe in the power of youth to transform the environmental sector and I work with commitment to be part of that change,” said Massambo Batalhão, an intern from the 7th edition of the Mozambique Conservation Leadership Program (PLCM). He holds a degree in Forestry and Wildlife Management from the Chimoio Agrarian Institute and was placed in Coutada 14, within the Marromeu Complex.

His participation in the PLCM was decisive in shaping his professional trajectory. Massambo considers the experience “extremely enriching,” as it allowed him to consolidate his academic training in Forestry and Wildlife, strengthen essential practical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the real challenges facing conservation in the country.

The first months in the field brought significant challenges. Adapting to the work environment, especially during the rainy season, was not easy. He faced risky situations, such as the presence of mechanical traps intended for large animals. He also experienced insecurity about how to apply, in practice, the knowledge acquired during his studies, fearing failure.

With humility and determination, he sought guidance from more experienced colleagues, which helped him gain clarity and confidence. Gradually, he overcame his fear of making mistakes, learning from each experience and growing stronger through continuous practice. This combination of support, discipline, and active involvement in field activities enabled him to overcome all obstacles.

His training in Forestry and Wildlife proved fundamental, providing technical foundations to contribute directly to biodiversity conservation. Massambo highlights his ability to act in environmental monitoring, participatory management of natural resources, community education, and identification of threats to fauna and flora. As a qualified young professional, he considers himself prepared to support awareness campaigns, data collection, patrols in conservation areas, and sustainable management initiatives.

During the internship, he also developed leadership, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. One of his most memorable experiences was learning how to guide a professional hunting activity, which significantly expanded his practical knowledge and strengthened his preparation to work as a future safari guide.

Currently, Massambo is employed by Nyati Safaris Ltd. in Coutada 14 as a result of his dedication and remains firmly engaged in conservation initiatives, supporting wildlife monitoring, combating poaching, managing human–wildlife conflicts, and promoting environmental education in communities. He states that the PLCM greatly increased his interest in the sector, showing him the urgency of biodiversity protection and the power that each young person has to contribute to real solutions.

For him, the PLCM not only opened doors but shaped his vision for the future. Today, he feels more motivated than ever to build a solid and impactful career in the environmental field.

Massambo encourages other young people to get involved in conservation-related programs, invest in continuous training, and actively participate in environmental protection. He urges them to be curious, dedicated, and open to learning from experts and local communities. He leaves a message of persistence: “Conservation requires passion and resilience; every contribution makes a difference.”

The PLCM – Mozambique Conservation Leadership Program is an initiative of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), funded by the Embassy of Sweden and the World Bank, and aims to strengthen the skills of professionals within the National System of Conservation Areas (SNAC) and to shape the profile of future conservation leaders in Mozambique.

The Wildlife Economy Conference, held on 8–9 April in the city of Maputo, established itself as an important milestone for convergence between biodiversity conservation, economic development, and collective responsibility.

Under the theme “For the development of a sustainable wildlife economy in Mozambique,” the event was organized by the Mozambican Safari Operators Association (AMOS), in coordination with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), with funding from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) through the CLCR programme.

The conference brought together approximately 170 participants, including representatives of hunting concessions, safari operators, academia, ANAC, BIOFUND, local communities from different provinces of the country, and civil society organizations, providing an inclusive platform for dialogue and the exchange of experiences.

During the first day, discussions focused on valuing natural capital, equitable benefit-sharing with local communities, data-driven decision-making, access to financing, and the importance of a solid and functional legal framework to drive the wildlife economy in Mozambique.

Experiences from the Southern African region were also shared, with particular emphasis on Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, as well as good practices from national hunting concessions. These contributions highlighted different wildlife economy models, their challenges, and approaches to managing human–wildlife conflict.

Another key point raised was the need for sustainable financing mechanisms to enable the growth and consolidation of the wildlife economy as a strategic sector for the country.

At the closing of the conference, the Declaration on the Wildlife Economy in Mozambique was presented. In this declaration, participants reaffirmed their commitment to recognizing the wildlife economy as an essential component of the country’s natural capital, advocating for its integration into national public policies and territorial planning instruments, as a driving force for conservation, economic prosperity, and community well-being, while safeguarding present and future generations.

Speaking at the closing session, His Excellency Roberto Mito Albino, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to implementing the declaration, assuring that “the Ministry will do everything within its reach to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to it under this declaration, counting on the support and engagement of all stakeholders.”

Reinforcing this position, the Minister further emphasized:
“We reaffirm our full commitment to the wildlife economy, ensuring the strengthening of conservation policies, the creation of a conducive environment for investment, and the recognition of the role of the private sector and communities, so that this sector can effectively contribute to the country’s sustainable development.”

The Wildlife Economy Conference concluded with the conviction that Mozambique has unique conditions to position wildlife as a strategic pillar of sustainable development, reconciling biodiversity conservation, economic growth, and tangible benefits for local communities. The commitment assumed by the Government, combined with collaboration between the public sector, private sector, communities, academia, and civil society, reinforces the vision of a robust, inclusive, and future-oriented wildlife economy capable of contributing sustainably to the country’s prosperity.

In the first week of April, the commissioning ceremony for the construction of water boreholes took place in the Mágoè National Park, in Tete Province. This initiative is being implemented under the MozRural Programme, with the aim of improving the living conditions of local communities and strengthening the management of the Conservation Area.

The intervention is part of a set of ongoing actions in Mágoè National Park and its buffer zone, aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods, with emphasis on expanding access to safe drinking water. A total of 16 boreholes will be constructed, of which 13 will serve communities in the districts of Mágoè and Cahora Bassa, and 3 will strengthen surveillance posts within Mágoè National Park. This action will benefit more than 5,000 people, contributing significantly to improved living conditions and the well-being of local populations.

The ceremony was attended by the Administrator of Mágoè District, Marlene Sande de Sousa; a representative of the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), Rezia Cumbi; the Administrator of Mágoè National Park, Juliana Mwitu; the Director of Administration and Finance of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), Celeste Chitara; the MozRural Programme Coordinator, Alexandre Milice; and other partners.

During her intervention, the Administrator of Mágoè National Park highlighted that the provision of water infrastructure in different park posts will have a significant impact on the operational efficiency of the Conservation Area. According to the administrator, local access to water will reduce the need for frequent travel to fetch water, allowing technicians and rangers to focus on essential activities such as patrols and law enforcement. She further noted that the new boreholes will improve sanitation conditions, enabling the full use of existing infrastructure such as bathrooms, and contributing to better hygiene and well-being of park staff.

For her part, the Administrator of Mágoè District emphasized the social impact of the initiative, noting that easier access to drinking water will reduce the long distances communities currently travel to obtain it, promoting greater dignity and quality of life. She also highlighted that the project will contribute to reducing waterborne diseases, improving public health, increasing agricultural and livestock productivity, and boosting local economic development. The official further stressed that the initiative is aligned with district government priorities, as it responds to a basic community need and contributes to poverty reduction efforts.

With this initiative, the MozRural Programme reaffirms its commitment to the integrated development of communities living around Conservation Areas, promoting solutions that combine improved living conditions with biodiversity conservation.

In the Pomene National Reserve, the Honey Programme is currently being implemented, an initiative that combines biodiversity conservation with the sustainable development of local communities. The action promotes beekeeping as an economic activity compatible with conservation, contributing not only to the generation of alternative income, but also to the maintenance of ecosystem services, particularly plant pollination carried out by bees, which is essential for the natural regeneration of species and for the resilience of habitats.

The initiative includes the installation of beehives, technical training for four communities in the Reserve’s Buffer Zone, Nhahusua, Muchungo, Minerva and Pomene  and the strengthening of honey-related value chains, creating concrete opportunities for economic inclusion.

In total, four community apiaries were installed, one in each community, with each apiary consisting of eight beehives, totalling 32 beehives. Complete beekeeping kits were also distributed to 32 beneficiaries (26 men and 6 women), with eight participants per community, including essential equipment for the safe and efficient practice of the activity.

This initiative is supported by the Biodiversity Conservation Programme, through BIOFUND, with funding from the Government of Sweden, reinforcing the commitment to solutions that reconcile conservation, the economy and the well-being of local communities.

The Administrator of Massinga District, Abílio Machado, carried out a working visit on March 30 to the construction works of multi-purpose water supply systems in the communities of Nhaushua and Pomene, located in the buffer zone of the Pomene National Reserve. This initiative is part of a broader program that foresees the construction of four water supply systems aimed at benefiting the communities of Nhaushua, Muchungo, Minerva, and Pomene, enhancing access to water and promoting better living conditions for local communities.

During the visit, the administrator traveled to the communities of Nhaushua and Pomene, where he assessed the progress of the works and held meetings with the Natural Resource Management Committees. On this occasion, he emphasized the importance of these infrastructures for community development, highlighting the significance of active community involvement in monitoring the works, meeting established deadlines, and preparing areas for agricultural production.

Once completed, these water supply systems will ensure access to water for human consumption, livestock watering, and support for agricultural production, with a special focus on vegetable cultivation, thereby contributing to food security and income generation.

The initiative clearly demonstrates that biodiversity conservation can go hand in hand with the sustainable development of communities. It is the result of a joint effort between the District Government of Massinga, the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), the Pomene National Reserve, BIOFUND, and the Government of Sweden, who, through coordinated action, continue to invest in concrete and impactful solutions for communities in the buffer zone.

Under the project “Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release of Pangolins in Chimanimani National Park,” funded by the bio Card funds, the first successful rescue and release of a pangolin back into the wild was carried out, reinforcing the protection of one of the most trafficked species in the world.

The animal was found outside its natural habitat in the Mpunga community, in the park’s buffer zone, and was taken to the Pangolin Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Centre, inaugurated in 2025. This facility, created from the adaptation of a specialised container, includes first aid areas, quarantine spaces, and a controlled enclosure for the recovery of rescued animals.

At the centre, the pangolin underwent a health assessment, which confirmed its good overall condition, with mild signs of dehydration and stress, promptly stabilised by the technical team. During the process, VHF and GPS tracking devices were installed to enable monitoring after its release.

Considering the species’ high sensitivity to captivity, the animal was released on the same day in a safe area of the park, with suitable ecological conditions and low human presence. This marks the first case recorded by the centre since its establishment, proving to be a successful outcome of the centre’s work.

Following the release, telemetry monitoring began, with regular follow-up to assess the animal’s adaptation and survival. This system will also allow the collection of data on movement patterns and habitat use, contributing to the strengthening of conservation strategies.

Since 2021, prior to the establishment of the centre, more than a dozen pangolins had already been rescued in this conservation area, many of them victims of illegal trafficking. With the creation of this facility, improved conditions are now in place for the handling, stabilisation, and monitoring of rescued pangolins, increasing their chances of survival and reintegration into the wild.

In parallel, awareness-raising activities have been carried out with local communities, aiming to reduce illegal capture and promote the protection of the species.

The implementation of this centre and the results now achieved highlight the impact of the bio Card funds, a partnership between BIOFUND and Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI), in strengthening the national capacity to respond to wildlife trafficking and in conserving biodiversity in Mozambique.

Within the framework of implementing the GALS methodology, BIOFUND held a catalysation seminar in Chipanje Chetu, in Niassa Province, which brought together 68 participants, of whom 42 were men and 26 women. Among those present, 31 were adults and 37 were youth. The initiative was part of the ongoing work under the MozNorte and MozRural projects to strengthen more equitable gender relations, more resilient livelihoods and more active community participation.

More than just a training moment, the seminar served to monitor the work already carried out in the communities, assess the replication done through peer learning, consolidate lessons from the first cycle and define targets for the following three months. The process also included collective reflection, field visits, sharing among participants and the introduction of monitoring and evaluation tools.

The GALS methodology relies on visual and participatory tools to help families, community groups and local leaders identify challenges, build action plans and transform relationships marked by inequalities. In the context of conservation areas, this approach is particularly relevant, as the effective management of natural resources also depends on more inclusive, organised communities capable of making decisions together.

The couple, Abel Daimone and Sicuzane Iassine, state that the methodology is already producing concrete changes in their family: “we are improving our lives (…) we are managing to save money (…) we want to improve our home.” Other testimonies point to the diversification of livelihoods, including cashew production and small livestock rearing, as well as gradual improvements in housing and family well-being.

These examples help to show that GALS does not remain confined to the training room. The methodology extends into everyday life, into family decisions, economic organisation and the way women, men and young people begin to participate in shaping the future of their communities.

By promoting dialogue, peer learning and local leadership, the initiative strengthens an important foundation for biodiversity conservation to go hand in hand with social inclusion, dignity and concrete opportunities for families.

During the second week of March 2026, Mozambique assessed the potential of mitigation banks as a complementary mechanism to accelerate and strengthen the implementation of biodiversity offsets in the country. The topic was discussed during a workshop held in Maputo, organised by the COMBO+ Programme — a partnership between the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), through the National Directorate for Environment and Climate Change (DINAMC).

The meeting brought together more than 35 participants, including representatives from Government, the private sector — with particular emphasis on large extractive companies required to implement biodiversity offsets — academia, civil society, and conservation partners.

Mitigation banks enable private companies to invest in conservation actions in advance, such as restoration and protection of ecosystems. These actions generate credits, which may subsequently be used by projects that need to offset their impacts on biodiversity. In practice, this model seeks to ensure that impacts are compensated in a planned and measurable manner, and may even result in net gains of biodiversity. According to international experience, this mechanism can reduce project licensing time by up to 50%, making it particularly relevant for countries facing significant pressure on ecosystems, such as Mozambique.

The Colombian company Terrasos, a pioneer in the implementation of mitigation banks in Latin America, shared its national experience, highlighting the effectiveness of the mechanism and the importance of appropriate legislation, as well as transparent and robust systems for registration and monitoring.

Discussions during the workshop indicated that this model is promising for Mozambique, as it may accelerate the implementation of biodiversity offsets and strengthen sustainable financing for conservation, thereby contributing to the achievement of restoration and protection targets for conservation areas and key biodiversity areas in the country.

The workshop also made it possible to identify opportunities, challenges, and next steps to assess the feasibility of this model in Mozambique, including its analysis within a pilot area under the Blue Future project in Memba–Mossuril. The study further examines the possibility of combining different financing mechanisms — such as biodiversity offsets, blue carbon, and voluntary credits — with the aim of developing an integrated model suited to the Mozambican context.

Fourteen water sources were rehabilitated in several communities of Sanga district, Niassa province, under the MozNorte Project, contributing to improved access to safe drinking water for approximately 4,200 people.

The activity was carried out in the last quarter of 2025 in the communities of Ntwara, Maumbica, Nova Madeira, Mowoola, 2º Congresso, Ngogoma and Matchedje Aldeia, located in the administrative posts of Matchedje and Macaloge. Prior to this intervention, an assessment was conducted to evaluate the operational status of the water sources and the Water and Sanitation Committees (CAS), as well as to identify the main rehabilitation needs.

Following the rehabilitation, the Water and Sanitation Committees (CAS) in the beneficiary communities were revitalised, and they received training and maintenance kits intended to carry out repairs in case of minor breakdowns, thereby strengthening local capacity for the management and maintenance of the infrastructure.

This intervention was carried out as part of the MozNorte project activities, implemented by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation (HELVETAS), in the Chipanje Cheto Community Conservation Area, which includes nine communities in Sanga district. The rehabilitation of these water sources represents an important contribution to improving local communities’ access to safe drinking water and strengthening the operational conditions of community water supply infrastructure.

The MozNorte Project is implemented in northern Mozambique with the objective of contributing to improved access to livelihood opportunities for vulnerable communities and to the sustainable management of natural resources, with funding from the World Bank, through the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND).

Chimanimani National Park received, on March 11, a set of equipment acquired under the Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development Project (CBDC), in a ceremony that marked the official transfer of these assets to the park as the final beneficiary.

The equipment includes vehicles, computer equipment and tools intended for processing products associated with value chains developed in local communities, such as honey production and other natural products. During the project’s implementation period, these assets were managed by the Micaia Foundation, the implementing partner responsible for carrying out field activities, in coordination with Chimanimani National Park and communities in the buffer zone.

The handover of the equipment takes place in the context of the closure of the CBDC project, which over five years supported integrated biodiversity conservation and community development initiatives in Chimanimani National Park and its buffer zone. With a total funding of €4.8 million from the French Development Agency, the project contributed to strengthening knowledge about the park’s biodiversity, promoting sustainable livelihoods in local communities and developing innovative financing mechanisms for conservation.

Throughout its implementation, the project enabled the recording of more than 1,300 species of flora and fauna in Chimanimani National Park, supported community organization and consolidated value chains, strengthening the link between conservation and income generation for local communities.

With the transfer of the equipment to Chimanimani National Park, the aim is to ensure the continuity of the actions initiated by the project, strengthening the park’s operational capacity and supporting initiatives that reconcile conservation with the sustainable development of the communities living in the park’s buffer zone.

The partnership between the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI) is driving the implementation of three new biodiversity conservation and community development projects across different regions of Mozambique, financed through the Bio Card Funds. The initiatives, taking place in the provinces of Manica, Niassa and Sofala, focus on solutions that promote coexistence between communities and wildlife while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.

In Manica province, the Association NATURA Mozambique is implementing the project “Investing in Communities, Strengthening Coexistence with Elephants” in the Macossa–Tambara Conservation Area, part of the Greater Gorongosa–Marromeu Landscape. The initiative aims to strengthen the role of Community Natural Resource Management Committees (CGRNs) and implement measures to reduce human–elephant conflict, including the installation of electric fences, elephant-resistant grain stores and beehive fences. The project also promotes honey production as an alternative source of income for local communities. The initiative will run for one year and has funding of approximately USD 49,000.

In the Niassa Special Reserve, in Block L7 of the Lugenda Wildlife Reserve, the Lugenda Foundation is implementing the project “Artisans Training Centre and Revitalization of the Honey Project”, focused on training young people in carpentry and welding, as well as revitalizing community beekeeping. The initiative aims to expand employment and local entrepreneurship opportunities while promoting economic activities compatible with the conservation of natural resources. The project started in December 2025, will run for one year and has funding of more than USD 44,000.

In the Marromeu Complex, in the Zambezi Delta, the project “Building Resilient Communities to Promote Sustainable Coexistence in the Marromeu Complex” is being implemented. The initiative focuses on strengthening the resilience of local communities through the promotion of sustainable livelihoods. Key actions include strengthening community beekeeping, promoting conservation agriculture practices, environmental awareness initiatives, and strategies to mitigate human–wildlife conflict. The project started in November 2025, will run for one year and has funding of more than USD 42,000.

Since its creation, the Bio Card Funds have already supported nine small-scale projects, promoting innovative solutions for biodiversity conservation in different regions of the country and contributing to improving the living conditions of communities living in the buffer zones of Conservation Areas.

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI) have signed an addendum to the Bio Card partnership agreement, renewing a collaboration that began in 2017 and reaffirming their shared commitment to biodiversity conservation in Mozambique.

The signing reinforces a partnership that, over the years, has connected financial innovation, social responsibility and conservation through a mechanism that channels resources to biodiversity projects in the country.

During the ceremony, BCI Chief Executive Officer Francisco Costa highlighted the value and longevity of the initiative, stating that it is “a partnership of which we are very proud” and that he believes it continues “to progress well, to develop, to be maintained, and to grow hand in hand between BCI and BIOFUND.” He also stressed that one of the major challenges is to “continue increasing the number of cards and the number of times the card is used,” so that the amounts channelled to conservation can become even more significant.

For his part, BIOFUND Board Chair Carlos dos Santos said that the occasion symbolises more than an institutional formality: “today we celebrate more than the signing of an addendum” and “the continuation of a shared vision,” based on the creation of “concrete, lasting and credible mechanisms” to support biodiversity conservation in Mozambique.

In his speech, the BIOFUND Chair also highlighted the transformative strength of the initiative, stressing that “biodiversity conservation is not only a matter for specialists or donors,” but also “a cause in which ordinary citizens can take part through their everyday choices.” He further added that this partnership shows that “the financial sector can be a strategic ally of the common good.”

Launched in 2017, the Bio Card was conceived as a mechanism to support biodiversity conservation through a banking product associated with social and environmental responsibility. The addendum now signed reinforces the institutional maturity of this cooperation by updating clauses related to the duration of the agreement, the obligations of the parties, quarterly information-sharing, confidentiality, integrity and risk management. The document also maintains the framework under which BCI channels 200 meticais for each Bio Card issued to support BIOFUND’s activities in favour of biodiversity conservation.

Over the years, funds associated with the Bio Card have supported various conservation initiatives in Mozambique. With this new step, BIOFUND and BCI reaffirm their ambition to mobilise more people, finance more solutions and strengthen innovative conservation mechanisms in the country.

The districts of Mágoè and Chitima, in Tete Province, are hosting, from March 2 to 6, 2026, a training aimed at strengthening and operationalizing the District Multisectoral Mechanism for prevention, safe referral, and coordinated response to cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA/SH), and child protection.

The initiative reinforces coordination among services that operate in a complementary manner—health, social action, police, education, justice, and community organizations—addressing recurring challenges related to coordination, unclear referral pathways, and the absence of standardized procedures.

During the training, participants engage with participatory methodologies (including case studies, simulations, group work, institutional mapping, and participatory planning), focusing on a survivor-centered approach aligned with social safeguards, including World Bank requirements.

The program covered topics such as the legal framework and relevant national standards, including Law 19/2019 (Prevention and Combat of Premature Unions) and Law 29/2009 (Domestic Violence against Women), a survivor-centered approach, risk monitoring in the community and workplace, and procedures for incident reporting.

The opening session was attended by representatives of the District Government, the Mágoè National Park (PNM), in coordination with BIOFUND.

For Marcelino Marechal (head of culture, sports, and education of a team in Mágoè), the initiative helps make processes clearer for victims:

“People, in this case the victims, already know what the procedures are and how their case will proceed. They know where to start, where the process will take place, after the process, where it will be judged, and what follow-up will be provided.”

Domingos Batista, a participant in the training, also highlighted the importance of involving local leadership:

“It was very good, we are truly grateful… This meeting, this training, because we used to have conflicts with the leaders. The leaders were not aware that what they were doing was not in line with the law.”

The training aimed to strengthen technical knowledge on GBV, SEA/SH, and child protection, clarify sectoral roles and responsibilities, map available services in the district, establish referral and case management pathways, develop or update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and prepare a District Action Plan for the functioning of the mechanism.

Expected results include the reactivation and strengthening of the district mechanism, definition of institutional roles, updating of the stakeholder mapping, validation of referral flowcharts, development of district SOPs, and approval of an action plan for the next 6 to 12 months.

This initiative is part of the MozRural program, which aims to improve natural resource management practices in selected areas of the program in Tete Province.

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) is holding, from March 3 to 6, 2026, at Maputo National Park, the induction session of the 8th edition of the Mozambique Conservation Leadership Programme (PLCM), with support from the Embassy of Sweden and the World Bank in Mozambique, preparing more than 60 young people for integration into pre-professional internships in conservation sector institutions.

Implemented by BIOFUND since 2019, the PLCM has facilitated the transition of recent graduates into the conservation sector through internships in public and private conservation areas, civil society organizations, the private sector, and state institutions. Over the course of its editions, the program has already supported more than 400 young people.

“It was created jointly with ANAC (National Administration for Conservation Areas), which is the entity that manages Conservation Areas and is fundamental in this process,” explains Sean Nazerali, Director of Innovative Financing, Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND).

Nazerali also highlights that the program improves participants’ employability and strengthens capacities within host institutions: “To date, approximately 30% to 35% of interns find employment at the end of their internship,” reaching levels above 80% in some cases, such as at Banhine National Park.

According to Nilton Yombayomba, Director of the Division of Admissions, Finance and Human Resources at ANAC, “Our role in this training is to provide follow-up for the selected interns, who will be assigned to various conservation areas at the national level.”

“When we have the opportunity to have newly graduated young people, some even in areas directly related to this field, it is always an added value,” says Luís Buchir, Administrator of the Maputo Environmental Protection Area. “What I can guarantee is that they leave here better than when they arrived,” adds the administrator.

The partnership with the National Institute of Employment (INEP) strengthens the professional insertion component of the program and encourages more young people to apply.

For Patrício Fergusson, Head of the Central Department of Information and Career Guidance at INEP, the initiative goes beyond training. “This program not only builds capacity; above all, it is a true academy,” he states.

He also made an appeal to young people: “Apply. It is a transparent, fair, and accessible process for everyone.”

For their part, the interns value the opportunity to turn theory into practice and to learn from technicians and communities. “It has been a very good experience; it is helping me grow both personally and professionally,” says Jennifer Langa, PLCM Intern (Environmental Engineering and Disaster Management), a 7th edition intern assigned to BIOFUND. “We are not only going to share what we know, but also to learn from the technicians there and from the local communities,” adds Celácio Fernandes, PLCM Intern (Ecotourism and Wildlife Management), an intern from the 8th edition of the PLCM.

The induction is organized into four modules: integration into the conservation sector; technical foundations and professional skills; field immersion (safari and visit); and safety/first aid, with a final presentation of produced materials (photographs, iNaturalist, and draft news articles).

Stay tuned to our digital platforms to learn more about this program.

In January 2026, heavy rains caused severe flooding in several regions of southern Mozambique. In response, BIOFUND, through the Climate Emergency Response Program (BIO-CERP), mobilized immediate support to Limpopo, Banhine, and Zinave National Parks, protecting communities, critical infrastructure, and ensuring the continuity of conservation operations.

In Limpopo National Park, actions included the distribution of mosquito nets, essential medicines, and food to affected communities, as well as evacuation and medical transport in areas with limited access. The reopening and clearing of the Massingir–Giriyondo border access road was also carried out, ensuring operational mobility and the resumption of activities in coordination with Kruger National Park.

In Banhine National Park, the program provided support including urgent repairs, reinforcement of ranger protection, and the opening of a 110 km alternative road, restoring the connection between the Park headquarters and the Macuambe and Mungaze ranger posts. Teams were also contracted to carry out seasonal work (eco-jobs) in clearing and opening detours, ensuring continuous access to affected areas.

In Zinave National Park, actions focused on preparedness and risk mitigation, including strengthening vulnerable infrastructure (such as maintenance of access roads), procurement of preventive equipment, and capacity building of local teams for rapid response to extreme climate events.

BIO-CERP, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and by returns from BIOFUND’s endowment, provides annual resources to support Conservation Areas before, during, and after extreme climate events, protecting people and assets while contributing to biodiversity conservation.

In the second week of February 2026, BIOFUND met with the European Union Ambassador to Mozambique, Antonino Maggiore, to take stock of the final phase of PROMOVE Biodiversity and align potential areas of cooperation for 2026, strengthening institutional dialogue between the two parties.

BIOFUND, represented by its Chair of the Board of Directors, Carlos dos Santos, its Executive Director, Luís Honwana, and their team, hosted the visit of the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Mozambique, Antonino Maggiore, accompanied by Anne-Ael Pohu (Head of the Resilience and Climate Change Team) and Aude Guignard (Environment and Climate Change Programme Officer).

The meeting focused on presenting BIOFUND since its establishment, including its main strategic objectives, key activities, organisational structure, and mechanisms for managing both its own funds and third-party funds, while also reinforcing dialogue with the EU Delegation in Mozambique.

One of the highlights was the completion, this year, of the EU-funded PROMOVE Biodiversity programme (2019–2026). Within this support framework, results and relevant actions were shared, with a focus on three main areas:

1. Strengthening management in Gilé National Park

• Opening 65 km of boundary demarcation tracks within the park;
• Reintroduction of wildlife, including the translocation of 200 buffalo;
• Introduction of real-time communication and ecological monitoring technologies.

2. Transformative investments in APAIPS

• Installation of offices;
• Recruitment of staff;
• Acquisition of maritime and land transport assets.

3. Progress in the process to declare Mount Mabu as a Community Conservation Area

• Outreach and engagement with communities, with a focus on community-based organisation for conservation.

The programme’s contribution to applied research and the development of community management tools was also emphasised, including economic feasibility analyses of value chains and mechanisms to strengthen financial sustainability.

Beyond the programme review, the meeting explored potential areas for synergy and cooperation, including initiatives such as Green Value for Growth, focused on export-oriented value chains (coffee, soybeans, and cashew nuts) in Manica and Zambézia, as well as activities in Transboundary Conservation Areas based on a landscape approach.

The parties also discussed opportunities for greater private-sector engagement, including payments for ecosystem services and biodiversity offsets, as well as the need to promote and deepen policy and technical dialogues—nationally and internationally—on the importance of biodiversity and its complementarity with priority agendas such as energy, digitalisation, education, tourism, and innovative investments.

The meeting helped strengthen institutional ties between BIOFUND and the European Union Delegation in Mozambique, share information and ideas, identify synergies, and align perspectives for planning joint activities throughout 2026.

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) held a strategic reflection meeting focused on “Challenges 2026”, bringing together contributions from members of its Board of Directors, the institution’s team and sector stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen the impact of conservation in Mozambique. The session centred on updating approaches – including sustainable financing, evidence-based advocacy and collaboration – in a context shaped by both national and global processes affecting the sector.

One of the most emphasised points was the need for advocacy grounded in knowledge and data. During the meeting, Professor Narciso Matos noted: “Good advocacy only works if it is based on scientific evidence,” calling for consistent investment in information, analysis and technical capacity to support public positions and strategic decision-making.

The meeting also highlighted the institutional dimension of BIOFUND’s work, including coordination with the State and responsiveness to national conservation priorities. Executive Director Luís Honwana stated: “We seek to be aligned with the government; we seek to respond to what we understand to be the conservation challenge in our country.” Programmes Director Alexandra Jorge added that “the government’s expectations, with whom we work most directly, are very high regarding us,” framing this alignment as part of BIOFUND’s role in mobilizing and allocating resources for biodiversity conservation, in coordination with public institutions and partners.

On financial sustainability, the centrality of the endowment fund and the importance of diversifying resource mobilization approaches were reaffirmed. Madyo Couto (Board member) recalled: “Our goal is to reach 100 million in the endowment fund by 2027.” In parallel, ongoing measures to strengthen more active resource mobilization were shared: “we are already implementing the measures of a new fundraising strategy – more proactive, less reactive, less about waiting for donors to come with programmes and more about going after them, approaching them.” (Sean Nazerali – Director of Innovative Financing). The exploration of solutions within the national context was also advocated: “There is now a need to communicate the focus – to look a bit more at the domestic environment and, from it, seek solutions that can promote self-financing capacity, including innovative financing.” (Afonso Madope – member of the Fiscal Council).

The community dimension emerged as a central element of the discussion. Adamo Valy (Vice-Chair of the Board) stressed: “Those on the ground know that conservation cannot be done without communities,” underlining that lasting results depend on models that consistently integrate people, benefits and local governance.

The session concluded with recognition that this was a first moment of discussion, alongside a call to systematize the contributions and to hold further working sessions to deepen priorities and operational pathways for 2026.

The National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) held, on 12 February 2026, in Maputo, the Workshop to Identify a Co-Manager for the First and Second Islands Environmental Protection Area (APAIPS).. The meeting was supported by WWF Mozambique, under the PROMOVE Biodiversity project, financed by the European Union and implemented through the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND).

The workshop marked the start of a competitive, structured and transparent process to select a co-managing entity, with the aim of strengthening management effectiveness, financial sustainability, and conservation in one of the country’s most significant marine protected areas. During the sessions, eligible entities were invited to submit their expression of interest, paving the way for the next phases of the selection process.

As Mozambique’s environmental fund dedicated to mobilising, allocating and managing financial resources for biodiversity conservation, BIOFUND highlighted the strategic importance of APAIPS and the value of consolidating investments already made in the area through a robust and sustainable co-management model.

“APAIPS has a very special meaning for BIOFUND, as it was one of the Foundation’s first projects… Through this workshop, we intend to work together with ANAC and WWF to promote the identification of a co-manager who can help maximise the value of what these projects have already invested in APAIPS,” said Alexandra Jorge, BIOFUND’s Programmes Director.

According to Alexandra, BIOFUND’s support to APAIPS combines returns from an endowment window (investment capital whose annual returns are channelled to conservation) and project funds, including PROMOVE Biodiversity and MozNorte, both expected to end in 2026. From this endowment, USD 1 million was donated by the Salle family, specifically to support APAIPS operational costs—an outstanding philanthropic contribution linked to the family’s support for global conservation initiatives through Conservation International. The expectation is that selecting a co-manager will help catalyse additional funding and ensure sustained technical support for APAIPS management, also exploring innovative financing mechanisms such as biodiversity offsets and exclusive tourism, among other options.

The identification of a co-manager aligns with the intended results for APAIPS under PROMOVE Biodiversity, which foresees creating conditions for effective management and administration, with technical and financial support to the area’s administration in the medium and long term.

Sobre a APAIPS

A Área de Protecção Ambiental das Ilhas Primeiras e Segundas foi criada em 2012, por instrumento legal específico, e abrange cerca de 1.040.926 hectares, ao longo de uma faixa costeira que se estende por aproximadamente 205 km, atravessando distritos costeiros do norte e centro do país. A APAIPS representa um mosaico de habitats costeiros e marinhos com elevada importância para a biodiversidade, e a sua consolidação institucional é determinante para garantir protecção efectiva, benefícios para as comunidades e sustentabilidade no longo prazo.

On February 6, 2026, the staff of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) promoted a solidarity action to support families affected by the floods and inundations that hit southern Mozambique in January of this year.

The heavy rains recorded at the beginning of the year caused flooding in several areas of the southern region, resulting in significant material damage, displacement of families, and worsening vulnerability conditions for numerous households.

In light of this scenario, BIOFUND (its staff and members) joined the collective humanitarian assistance effort, channeling its support through the Volunteers Anónimos de Moçambique (VAMOZ).

VAMOZ is a civil society volunteer movement that operates in emergency situations, delivering essential goods to affected populations, thanks to the solidarity mobilization of citizens and institutions. Based on the principle that “we do not receive money, but we build bridges,” the organization has played a relevant role in responding to humanitarian crises.

Within the framework of this initiative, essential food items, hygiene and cleaning products, drinking water, clothing, and footwear were delivered, contributing to alleviating the immediate needs of the affected families.

The company Mozsecurity, Lda., a service provider to BIOFUND, also joined the cause, donating nine basic food baskets, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility. The initiative demonstrates the strength of a network of staff, volunteers, and partners who unite when communities need it most.

With this action, BIOFUND staff reaffirm that biodiversity conservation goes hand in hand with social commitment, especially in moments when communities face emergency situations and greater fragility.

Entities interested in supporting solidarity actions and biodiversity protection may contact BIOFUND to join future initiatives

On 29 January 2026, the COMBO+ Programme – a partnership between the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), BIOFUND, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), through the National Directorate for Environment and Climate Change (DINAMC) – held the first Validation Workshop for the African Elephant Biodiversity Metric in Mozambique. The event marked an important step in strengthening technical tools to assess biodiversity losses and gains associated with development projects in the country.

This initiative is part of national efforts to reconcile economic development with biodiversity conservation, in line with the mitigation hierarchy and Ministerial Diploma No. 55/2022 of 19 May, which regulates the implementation of biodiversity offsets in Mozambique. The workshop brought together around 45 participants, including academics, national and international elephant conservation specialists, members of the IUCN African Elephant Specialist Group, environmental consultants, development project proponents, and other stakeholders.

The main objective was to present and discuss the conceptual and methodological framework of the metric developed for the African elephant, a priority species for conservation in Mozambique, classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In the face of increasing development pressures, habitat loss and fragmentation, and human–wildlife conflict, the metric aims to support impact assessment and the definition of more effective biodiversity offset measures.

This is the fifth biodiversity metric developed under the COMBO+ Programme, following metrics for coral reefs, miombo forests, mangroves, and seagrass, and it aims to ensure the effective application of the principles of No Net Loss or Net Gain of biodiversity. The process is led by Dr. Valério Macandza, a specialist in wildlife ecology and conservation, who presented the scientific basis, methodology, and criteria for calculating biodiversity losses and gains.

Through this initiative, the Government of Mozambique and its partners reaffirm their commitment to innovative technical solutions that promote more balanced development and the conservation of one of the country’s most emblematic species.

Partnership between BIOFUND, BCI and the Santuário Bravio de Vilanculos has brought an innovative solution to more than 100 households and dozens of school-aged children.

At the end of 2025, the Santuário Bravio de Vilanculos (SBV) hosted the inauguration of the OffGridBox system installed at the Chingongoene Primary School and Community Centre, an initiative financed by the Cartão bio, a partnership between the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI).

Located inside a conservation area in Cabo São Sebastião, Queuene, in Vilanculos district, the community of Chingongoene is deeply rural and depends almost entirely on natural resources for survival. The village is not connected to the national electricity grid and has only one communal water borehole, which makes access to basic services a major challenge for around 100 households (480 people, including 240 women and 215 school-aged children).

The project “Community Development Initiative for the Chingongoene Primary School and Community Centre”, implemented by the Santuário Bravio de Vilanculos, was designed to respond to these challenges by using the primary school as a true community hub. Through the installation of a containerised solution known as OffGridBox, the project aims to:

• provide sustainable electrical power,
• make treated drinking water available,
• create income-generation opportunities for the community.

The OffGridBox operates using renewable energy sources and makes it possible to replace kerosene lamps and firewood used for cooking, thereby reducing pressure on natural resources and lowering CO₂ emissions. In addition to supporting the health and well-being of families, this change contributes to biodiversity conservation within the protected area.

One of the innovative elements of the initiative is the creation of a community cooperative, ideally led by women, which will manage the energy and water kiosk using an affordable Pay-As-You-Go model. In this way, the community gains a new stream of collective income to fund small local projects that directly benefit women, youth and other vulnerable groups.

The primary school will be one of the main beneficiaries. The new electricity connection will allow teachers and environmental education partners, such as the Marine Megafauna Foundation, to use computers, printers, projectors, video and even Virtual Reality tools, significantly improving the quality of classes and conservation education. School attendance is also expected to increase, thanks to the role of the school as a centre for gathering, learning and services for the whole community.

Through the Cartão bio and its partnership with BCI, BIOFUND is thus reinforcing its commitment to promoting innovative solutions that bring together biodiversity conservation, social inclusion and sustainable community development in and around conservation areas.

Click on the link to learn more about the Cartão bio: https://www.biofund.org.mz/en/projects/bio-card-2/

Twelve young people from Angoche, Larde and Moma completed, on 19 December 2025, a cycle of mid-level professional technical training at the ADPP Polytechnic Institute – Nacala (Muzuane), supported by scholarships financed by MozNorth Project and monitored by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) through the Leadership Program for the Conservation of Mozambique (PLCM).

After three years, the group graduated 10 Agricultural technicians and 2 Civil Construction technicians, a milestone that combines discipline, persistence and a concrete opportunity to enter the job market, pursue entrepreneurship, or continue their studies.

From “yes” in 2023 to completion in 2025

The programme began in January 2023 with 15 young people selected for the Agricultural and Civil Construction courses, through a process conducted by ADPP with the support of local leadership from the three districts covered by the Primeiras e Segundas Islands Environmental Protection Area (APAIPS).

How the support was structured

Between January 2023 and mid-2024, the direct management of the scholarship recipients was under the responsibility of the ADPP Polytechnic Institute – Nacala, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ADPP and BIOFUND.

BIOFUND, through PLCM, was responsible for ensuring monitoring and supervision.With the start of the collaboration with WWF for the operationalization of MozNorth’s activities at APAIPS, in mid-2024, the scholarship program came under the direct management of this partner, while the MoU (Movement of Trust) remained in effect to cover part of the expenses associated with the training process.

A closing ceremony with stage, merit and recognition

The ceremony was presided over by the Institute’s Director, with the presence of local representatives and partners, including the Muzuane police station, SDJET, the Health Post, the School of Teachers of the Future – ADPP, partners such as Vet Service, as well as WWF and BIOFUND.

In total, 54 young people who completed the courses were recognised: 39 in Agriculture and 15 in Civil Construction. The programme included a message from the finalists, delivery of completion statements and sash placement, remarks from the head table, awards for top students and trainers, cultural activities, the launch of the 8th edition of the PLCM Internship Programme, and a convivial gathering.

The finalists’ message: collective effort and doors opening

The graduates’ message was read by Ahamada Muluco, a MozNorte scholarship recipient, on behalf of the 54 finalists, highlighting the students’ effort and the support provided by the institute, practical training and internship partners, guardians, and trainers.

In the interventions, there were also direct calls for responsibility and focus: the local police commander warned about risks affecting youth in the region, while SDJET underlined that the level achieved opens pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and higher education, with an impact that can inspire other young people in their communities.

What remains after the event

For the 12 APAIPS scholarship recipients, the ceremony was not only an “ending”: it confirmed that, with the right support and persistence, technical and vocational training creates real pathways—and places more local capacity at the service of development and the sustainable management of conservation landscapes.