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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Planning Seminar for the National Elephant and Large Mammal Census was held yesterday in Maputo City. The hybrid meeting brought together 86 participants, 51 attending in person and 35 virtually. The National Elephant Census will take place from September 20 to October 30 of this year, covering the entire national territory. It will be conducted by the Center for Agricultural and Natural Resource Management Studies (CEAGRE) in partnership with BassAir Aviation. The initiative is led by the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), in collaboration with the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), and funded by the Government of Sweden. The effort also counts on support from several institutions, notably the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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

BIOFUND, represented by the Coordinator of the Biodiversity Conservation Program, Samiro Magane, expressed gratitude for the involvement of partners and emphasized the relevance of the support received:

“BIOFUND’s experience shows that with predictable and structured financing, it is possible to build stronger foundations for biodiversity conservation. Donor support has been essential to enable large-scale initiatives, such as the inventory of natural resources and the capacity building of technicians from the National Conservation Areas System for the management and protection of biodiversity.”

The methodology presented foresees coverage of 90 to 95% of the area where elephants normally roam, totaling 171,763 km², and has as its main objectives:

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

CEAGRE emphasized that the census will provide essential data for managing elephant populations, including estimates of abundance, spatial distribution, and carcass mortality indices. In addition, it will generate valuable information on other wildlife species that share the same habitats, contributing to analyses of ecological interactions, spatial use patterns, and integrated conservation strategies.

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

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

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

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

Government in full force, at the highest level

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

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

1) Coastal and marine biodiversity

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

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

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

2) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

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

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

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

3) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA)

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

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

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

4) Environmental education

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acknowledgements – funders

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

Acknowledgements – collaborators and partners

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

The legacy ahead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you want to contribute to biodiversity conservation?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Within the framework of the Pre-Professional Internship Programme of the Leadership Program for Conservation of Mozambique (PLCM), two young people have been standing out for their significant contributions to strengthening conservation and environmental education in Chimanimani National Park and its buffer zone.

Osbone Maquival, who holds a Master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Rwanda, has been a key player in revitalising the Conservation Room at Sussundenga Secondary School. Thanks to his commitment, the space once again hosts weekly environmental education sessions, with more than 20 students participating in each class, addressing topics related to biodiversity conservation. Osbone also boosted the digital presence of the Conservation Room by creating its official TikTok account, used to creatively and engagingly promote awareness and conservation activities among young people.

In addition, he is preparing an Advanced Excel training course for the park’s technicians, contributing to strengthening the technical capacity of the team and demonstrating, in practice, the added value of interns in Conservation Areas.

“It has been a challenging and enriching experience. Being able to use digital tools to engage young people in environmental issues is something that motivates me every day. I believe we are laying the foundations for a new generation that is more aware and active in conservation,” shared Osbone.

Meanwhile, Nilza Figo, who holds a degree in Communication Sciences from the School of Journalism (Chimoio branch), stands out for producing educational content for the park’s digital platforms and creating informative posters. Recently, together with Osbone and in partnership with Sussundenga community radio, she has been promoting awareness programmes about environmental commemorative dates, strengthening the outreach of conservation messages among local communities.

“The internship has been an opportunity to apply my knowledge in communication in a real context with a direct impact on communities. Community radio allows us to reach more people and make conservation a part of their daily lives,” highlighted Nilza.

The Administrator of Chimanimani National Park, Leonel Massicame, emphasised the positive impact of the participation of these young people in the park’s initiatives, underlining the importance of ensuring continuity of the activities initiated, through the appointment of a dedicated focal point and the creation of sustainable conditions for maintaining the Conservation Room.

The experience of Nilza and Osbone illustrates that investing in youth can strengthen the management of Conservation Areas and inspire a new generation of leaders committed to biodiversity conservation. This outcome, driven by the PLCM Programme funded by the Government of Sweden through the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND, shows that young talents can enhance the management of conservation areas in Mozambique while promoting the emergence of new leaders dedicated to biodiversity protection.

In the heart of Manica province, amidst plantation forests and communities that directly depend on natural resources, a young intern is transforming knowledge into impact. Jéssica Carlos, a graduate in Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering from Uni-Zambeze, is one of the beneficiaries of the 7th edition of the Pre-Professional Internship Programme of the Leadership Program for Conservation of Mozambique (PLCM) – an initiative of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), funded by the Government of Sweden.

Since the beginning of her internship at Portucel Mozambique, Jéssica has been engaged in several areas of sustainability, actively contributing to the integration of biodiversity into the company’s forest management. With clear goals defined in her internship plan, she participates in activities such as the validation of Conservation Areas, ecological restoration, natural resource monitoring, and environmental education actions.

Throughout the internship, Jéssica has already identified more than 100 hectares as priority areas for conservation and initiated the restoration process of a 6.5-hectare area with high ecological sensitivity. She has conducted environmental awareness sessions, reaching just over 210 farmers with messages on sustainable farming practices and forest protection. She also carries out the collection of water and soil samples at strategic points for the continuous environmental monitoring of the area under the company’s management, ensuring the follow-up of environmental impacts and the adoption of corrective measures whenever necessary.

But beyond the numbers, Jéssica stands out for the way she faces challenges and turns difficulties into opportunities for growth. In her testimony, she shared that the first months were demanding: dealing with new responsibilities, a complex organisational structure, and direct interaction with communities with different habits and languages required adaptation, resilience, and empathy. “It was challenging at the beginning, but I gradually adapted with the support of the technical team and my supervisor, even remotely,” she said.

One of the most inspiring moments of her activities, accompanied by the PLCM team, was when Jéssica led a community awareness session where she addressed, using simple language and everyday examples, issues such as deforestation and species extinction. By using illustrated posters and objects, she was able to capture participants’ attention and promote open and participatory dialogue. The clarity of her communication and the empathy with which she engaged with farmers reveal a young professional in full development.

Jéssica has also contributed innovative ideas to strengthen environmental education initiatives, proposing the establishment of continuous monitoring systems in communities and the creation of focus groups to assess the impact of interventions. With a strategic vision, she further suggested strengthening partnerships with institutions such as ANAC and Gorongosa National Park, aimed at supporting the management of Portucel’s intervention areas and the reintroduction of priority species.

Her internship has not only been an opportunity to apply technical knowledge but also a personal learning journey, where she has developed skills such as leadership, communication, decision-making, and time management. “I feel that I am growing as a person and as a professional. This internship has helped me move from theory to practice and to understand the real role I can play in biodiversity conservation,” she concluded.

The story of Jéssica Carlos reflects the mission of the PLCM: to invest in the potential of young Mozambicans committed to the future of conservation. It is also an inspiring example of what can be achieved when knowledge, opportunity, and the will to make a difference come together. Through her work, Jéssica is leaving a positive mark on Portucel Mozambique and on her own journey as a future leader in biodiversity conservation in Mozambique.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renewed commitments at the official opening

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

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

Local experiences as a basis for sustainable solutions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Between June 27 and July 2, 2025, the first phase of data collection for the baseline study of the Techobanine Reef System (SRT), the largest Marine Total Protection Area of Maputo National Park (PNAM), took place. The initiative, led by the Likhulu Foundation, is financially supported by BIOFUND through the Biodiversity Conservation Programme, funded by Sweden and other entities, and is carried out in close collaboration with Maputo National Park.

During this phase, an extensive bathymetric survey was conducted, allowing the collection of more than 50,000 georeferenced data points. The technical team covered over 500 kilometres in open sea, mapping the seabed and identifying 185 potential sites for future scientific diving activities.

Based on the information collected and field observations, 24 priority sites were also identified, considered suitable for in-depth studies of coral, fish, invertebrate, and marine megafauna communities. During this first mission, several emblematic species were observed, including the green turtle, manta ray, potato grouper, and blacktip shark, reinforcing the ecological importance of the area.

In the next phases of the project, water, sediment, and marine tissue samples will be collected for environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. This innovative technique will provide a broader understanding of the biodiversity present in the reefs, using genetic traces found in the environment without the need for direct visualisation.

The assessment of the Techobanine reefs represents a significant contribution to the management and conservation of the marine ecosystems of Maputo National Park. The data collected will enable more informed and sustainable decisions, reinforcing the protection of this unique ecosystem.

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

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

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

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

On 21 July, the Leadership Program for the Conservation of Mozambique (PLCM) carried out a visit to the Chizolomondo Agricultural Institute, in Tete province, as part of the monitoring of female scholarship recipients from the districts of Mágoè and Zumbo who are attending technical secondary education with support from the Sustainable Rural Economy Program (MozRural), funded by the World Bank.

The mission included the participation of the team from the Zumbo Community Conservation Area and the Mágoè National Park, represented by the Park Administrator, Juliana Mwitu. In total, 23 students were monitored, of whom 10 are from Zumbo and 13 from Mágoè, distributed between the Agro-livestock and Forestry and Wildlife Management courses.

During the visit, the team met with the institute’s management and the scholarship recipients, assessing academic performance, behaviour, and general safety and living conditions in the boarding facilities. According to information shared by the Institute, the students have shown significant progress in school performance and attendance.

The Administrator of Mágoè National Park highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative:

“The presence of these young women in technical education represents a seed for the future of conservation. We are committed to continuing to support them, ensuring that they not only access technical knowledge but also return with a strong sense of commitment to their communities and to the preservation of natural resources.”

The visit also allowed the voices of the scholarship recipients to be heard, as they shared their challenges and aspirations:
“I am learning a lot about the importance of protecting natural resources, and I want to apply this knowledge in my community when I finish the course,” said Judith, a student in the Forestry and Wildlife Management course, originally from Mágoè.

Field observations revealed an increasingly conducive learning environment, with visible improvements in students’ behaviour, greater participation in classes, and strong academic commitment.

The visit also included awareness sessions on financial management, reinforcement of safeguard mechanisms, delivery of learning materials, and meetings with the boarding facility managers, who reported improvements in the behaviour and participation of the students. The scholarship recipients also benefit from tutoring sessions aimed at improving their academic performance.

The mission concluded with the signing of a memorandum of collaboration between Mágoè National Park, the Zumbo Community Conservation Area, and the Chizolomondo Agricultural Institute, reaffirming the joint commitment to the technical and professional training of young girls from buffer zones of Conservation Areas— a clear investment in capacity building and in the sustainable future of Mozambique.

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) is participating, from 21 to 25 July 2025, in the 8th International Congress on Environmental Education of Portuguese-Speaking Countries and Communities, taking place in the city of Manaus, capital of the State of Amazonas, Brazil, at the facilities of the Matias Machline Foundation. The Congress brings together around 3,000 participants from nine Lusophone countries: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste. Galicia (an autonomous region located in the northwest of Spain) is also present at the congress. It is one of the largest international forums dedicated to cultural, scientific, and institutional exchange among nations that share the Portuguese language.

Under the theme “Environmental Education and Local Action: Responses to the Climate Emergency, Environmental Justice, Democracy, and Well-Being”, the congress aims to promote dialogue on transformative Environmental Education practices, strengthen collaboration networks, and present concrete responses to climate and socio-environmental crises, with a focus on Environmental Justice and civic participation.

This Congress represents an important and highly relevant preparatory stage towards COP 30, which will take place in Belém do Pará, Brazil, in November of the current year. In this context, the Congress seeks to align visions, strategies, and commitments of Lusophone countries in the fight against climate change, reinforcing the role of Environmental Education and multilateral cooperation as pillars for a more sustainable planet.

BIOFUND is participating with support from the MozNorte project, integrating a delegation composed of: Alexandra Jorge (Programmes Director), Jéssica Julaia (Monitoring and Evaluation Manager), Ernesto Chauque (Monitoring and Evaluation Officer), Rosalina Chavana (Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist), and Geny Alexandre Macezeia (Scholar of the MozNorte project). Throughout the five days of the congress, the team will engage in plenary sessions, thematic workshops, mini-courses, and field visits, representing Mozambique in collaboration with other institutions that are part of the Mozambican Delegation led by the Secretary of State for Land and Environment, Gustavo Dgedge.

During the congress, BIOFUND will share relevant experiences accumulated over the last 10 years in the field of biodiversity conservation, specifically Environmental Education.

The importance of education at all levels was widely highlighted during the opening session of the Congress. In her opening speech, the Brazilian Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, emphasised that:

“Climate Change is no longer a future threat, but a reality lived today. Despite the diversity in the scope of action, all participating institutions share the same objective: Educating for Sustainability.”

May this congress inspire each participant to return to their contexts with renewed commitment and transformative action, for the good of the planet and future generations.

Learn more about the congress through the link:
https://www.even3.com.br/viii-congresso-internacional-de-educacao-ambiental-dos-paises-e-comunidades-de-lingua-portuguesa-483904/

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND carried out, on 17 and 18 July, a technical exchange with the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund – FUNBIO, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main objective of the exchange was to strengthen BIOFUND’s institutional practices, focusing on institutional and project monitoring, communication of results, and coordination between strategic areas such as finance and internal audit.

The participating team was composed of Jéssica Julaia, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Manager, and Ernesto Chaúque, M&E Officer. Over two days, the teams from the two funds shared experiences, approaches, and good practices in the areas of project management, impact monitoring, financial control, communication, and internal audit.

The working sessions highlighted key topics such as the importance of fluid information exchange between technical areas, transparency in communicating results, efficiency in monitoring systems, and the fundamental role of internal audit in the continuous improvement of processes.

With nearly 30 years of experience, FUNBIO has disbursed more than 280 million dollars (only in the last 15 years) to around 500 Conservation Areas in Brazil. The formal partnership between FUNBIO and BIOFUND began in 2016, through a technical assistance programme financed by German Cooperation via KfW. At that stage, FUNBIO supported BIOFUND in developing strategic institutional instruments, such as the Operational Manuals and the 2018–2022 Strategic Plan, and also designed and advised the start of regular annual training sessions for financial managers of conservation areas in Mozambique.

This was the third exchange mission between the two institutions in Brazil, following the first visits carried out by BIOFUND’s Board in 2017. At that time, BIOFUND had only two projects in its portfolio. Currently, BIOFUND manages an active portfolio of approximately 150 million dollars, is a founding member of the Consortium of African Environmental Funds (CAFÉ), and has played an active role in mentoring and capacitating other African environmental funds.

This exchange precedes BIOFUND’s participation in the 8th Environmental Education Congress in Manaus, where the Foundation will share its experience accumulated over more than 10 years of work in Environmental Education in Mozambique.

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

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

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

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

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

By Jorge Ferrão

When my friend Baldeu Chande joined eternity, it was tormenting to write a message of praise or even a farewell. The pain spoke louder than any word, and whatever the message was, it would certainly never echo in any sensible and moved heart. Dealing with farewell is one of the most difficult experiences in life. The emotions involved, at that immediate moment, can be overwhelming, and often it is challenging to find the words that express the feelings of loss and longing. One does not only lose a friend and colleague, but a source of life experiences, knowledge, and so much that remained unshared.

Today, with the same heavy, torn, and still incredulous heart, I relive the emotions as I say goodbye to my companion and friend Roberto Zolho, this man of all physical builds, astute and insightful, but who, even in the silence of the bush and savannas, spoke more with his actions than many of us manage to speak through words and suggestions. Nature is not built with campaigns, meetings, and promises. Those who live within it know its commandments well.

Roberto was born in the heart of Sofala, where the waters of the Pungué spread over the plains and the land teaches us to respect the rhythm of the rain, the wind, and the giant creatures of all sizes. He grew up and became a man of the world in a place where the life of humans and the life of animals intertwine, and perhaps for this reason, inspired by his upbringing, he always cared more for wildlife and flora—far more and better than he cared for himself. I imagine he gave names to hundreds of animals and trees. He knew the story of each one and mourned the sad end of every tree felled in the forest, every buffalo lost to poaching, and the inconsistencies in the administration of these ecosystems. He learned to understand their instincts and, from them, reproduced his own models of life and theories.

In December 1981, when the war reached Gorongosa National Park now privatised and publicised, with Western trophies and almost none from the surrounding communities the bullets desecrated that sanctuary. In that confrontation between brothers who disagreed for political motives, idiosyncrasies, thirst for power, and poisoned democracies, he was one of the first to rise in defence of those who lived there, deep inside Gorongosa, that final mountain of the Rift Valley, caring for men, women, elephants, lions, and centuries-old trees. With wisdom and mastery, he became a peacemaker, a diplomat of the forests, and someone who knew how to listen more than speak. Who knows if his stutter was a divine purpose.

Zolho grew in stature, and like Samson and Delilah merged into a single divine being, he recreated Noah’s Ark for modern times and, with little spirituality but with conviction and determination, carried the armistice to new levels of tranquillity, where animals and humans came to share the dream of the same peace, reconciliation, and a life of brotherhood, far from weapons. Something the conflict was never able to conquer. Weapons do not build friendship or generate prosperity. Embrace and honesty do.

He risked himself to protect others, as those who care for nature always do, learning from it the meaning of courage. And after that darkness, he continued to work for Mozambique, helping to rebuild not only the park but also hope the dream of Mondlane in his fight for Mozambique that continues to live on this idyllic side of the Indian Ocean.

He was awarded the Environmental Merit Medal, but the greatest tribute paid to him by the land lies in the shade of the acacias, in the beating wings of the birds that returned to Gorongosa, and in the gaze of the young rangers who still today follow his steps and examples. They hear his voice and command.

The proverbs of our land are rich and reveal much more than the Portuguese language offers. I now recall that “The tree does not eat its own fruits.” Profound and fitting to remember this friend and colleague of the bush and savannas. Roberto was like that: he provided shade, he gave fruit, he gave everything, but kept nothing just for himself.

May his soul find rest among the miombo and mopane woodlands he so loved and cared for. May the animals he protected become his eternal song. And may we, who remain here, learn from him to care for what truly matters: the land, life, and one another, reconciled and at peace with nature.

Roberto, your footprint will remain in the sand of our time and of the times to come. (X)

The 3rd session of the Members’ Assembly of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND took place on the afternoon of 3 July 2025, in the City of Maputo, bringing together around 82 participants, including representatives and guests from governmental and non-governmental institutions linked to the conservation sector.

During the session, the 2024 Annual Activities and Accounts Report was presented. Throughout 2024, BIOFUND strengthened its position as a national and international reference in biodiversity conservation financing solutions, established strategic partnerships with environmental funds from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and provided capacity-building to eight Conservation Trust Funds (CTFs). At the national level, it reinforced collaboration with local partners in the implementation of projects in conservation areas, staff capacity building and civil society awareness, with a particular focus on young people.

In financial terms, BIOFUND achieved a high budget execution rate of 96%, of which 19.3 million USD were directly channelled to project beneficiaries, demonstrating efficient management aligned with its core mission.

During the session, Prof. Jorge Ferrão, representing the Board of Directors in his capacity as Vice-President of the body, stated:

“We continue to take pride, for over the years BIOFUND has consolidated its position as a robust institution at national and international level. And all this work is the result of the efforts of the BIOFUND team, the partners, and all the beneficiaries, to whom I extend my sincere gratitude.”

Despite the positive results, the importance of strengthening the monitoring of BIOFUND’s impact on the ecosystems where it operates was highlighted, as well as investing in innovative financing mechanisms to ensure the Foundation’s long-term sustainability.

The session included the election of 26 new ordinary members of BIOFUND (16 individual and 10 institutional), as well as the renewal of the mandates of the governing bodies. Noteworthy were the end of the mandates of the Chairperson of the Board (Narciso Matos) and the Vice-President (Jorge Ferrão), and the election of 4 new members of the Board of Directors and 1 new member of the Supervisory Board. Both governing bodies will meet soon to elect the new Chairperson, Vice-President and the new Chairperson of the Supervisory Board.

The session was followed by a scientific presentation on the Mozambique Mountains Initiative, aimed at promoting the conservation and valorisation of the country’s mountain ecosystems.

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND, with immense sorrow and profound grief, announces the passing of Roberto Zolho, one of the founding members of this institution and Secretary of the Members’ Assembly Board since 2021. Roberto Zolho passed away due to illness, leaving us prematurely and unexpectedly. His departure represents an irreparable loss to the biodiversity conservation community in Mozambique and internationally, to which he dedicated a great part of his life with passion, vision, and commitment.

A man of integrity, generous spirit, and tireless defender of nature, Zolho leaves an inspiring legacy of dedication and love for the environmental cause, which will continue to resonate in the work of BIOFUND and among all those who walked alongside him.

With a career spanning more than 35 years, Roberto Zolho stood out as a profound connoisseur of Mozambican and African biodiversity, with specialisations in wildlife and protected area management. His professional life was marked by unwavering dedication to nature conservation, reflected in his exemplary work within governmental and non-governmental institutions, both national and international, as well as multilateral agencies, with significant contributions in Mozambique, Tanzania, South Africa, and Australia. Among the remarkable roles he performed are:

• Administrator of Gorongosa National Park (1996–2007), where he led ecosystem restoration, coordinated wildlife census programmes, and conducted the first species reintroduction operations;
• Head of the Provincial Forestry and Wildlife Services in Sofala, where he promoted forest management and strengthened community programmes;
• Coordinator of the Limpopo Heartland Programme at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF);
• Coordinator of the Climate Change and Development Programme at IUCN Mozambique;
• Coordinator of the Selous–Niassa Transboundary Programme at WWF-Tanzania;
• Coordinator of the Programme for the Restoration of Degraded Lands and Forest Landscapes at the National Fund for Sustainable Development (FNDS), where he led national initiatives aligned with global commitments such as AFR100 and the Bonn Challenge;
• And more recently, Climate Adaptation Affairs Coordinator for the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

For his remarkable contribution to nature conservation, Roberto Zolho was awarded the Environmental Merit Medal in 2022 by the then President of the Republic, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi—a solemn and well-deserved distinction recognising his profound and lasting impact on the conservation sector in Mozambique.

In addition to his tireless fieldwork and exceptional leadership, Roberto Zolho was also the author of several key studies and publications on biodiversity, climate change, protected area planning and sustainable resource use. His technical and scientific thinking contributed decisively to the development and professionalisation of the nature conservation sector in the country.

For BIOFUND, Zolho was not only a member of the Founders’ Committee, but also a member of the Board of Directors for several years. He remained active even after leaving that body, serving as Secretary of the Members’ Assembly Board, having renewed his mandate on 3 July of this year. Roberto Zolho played an active and inspiring role, with a generous presence and a constant willingness to share his knowledge with humility, leaving an indelible mark on the history and the heart of the Foundation.

Roberto Zolho departs physically, but his legacy remains alive in the biodiversity he helped preserve, in the policies he helped shape, and in the countless professionals he trained and influenced through his example.

To his family, friends, and colleagues, BIOFUND conveys its deepest condolences and expresses its profound gratitude for everything this remarkable defender of nature has done for the future of our country’s biodiversity.

Rest in peace, Roberto Zolho. Your memory will remain alive among us as a beacon of hope, wisdom, and commitment to the conservation of our natural heritage.

Historic event brings together various specialists, key government institutions, academic and research institutions, conservation NGOs, private sector, and development partners to address the protection of national biodiversity in the face of growing environmental threats

The group of specialists aiming to drive the conservation of Mozambique’s mountains — including ANAC, WWF, ReGeCom, NITIDADE, Gorongosa National Park, Chimanimani National Park, national and international scientists, the Malawi Conservation Fund, together with the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) — held yesterday, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, the launch seminar of the Mozambique Mountain Ecosystems Initiative (MMEI), a coordinated action platform that aims to protect and promote the sustainable use of the ecosystem services provided by the country’s rich mountain network. The event, held under the theme “Journey Towards the Protection and Sustainable Use of Mozambique’s Mountain Network”, brought together more than 160 participants, including government representatives, academics, civil society, private sector and development partners.

Critical Context and Urgency for Action

The launch of the initiative comes at a particularly critical moment, as Mozambique’s mountain ecosystems face increasing pressures of devastation. The organisers referred to recent cases such as the one documented on Monte Mabo, in Lugela district, Zambézia, where nine illegal logging points of the Umbila species were identified, as reported on “Bom dia Moçambique”, TVM, on 26 June 2025, involving foreign citizens and local community leaders. This situation illustrates the urgency of the protection measures that MMEI intends to implement. It should be noted that since 2020, the PROMOVE Biodiversity programme has been under implementation, whose main result is the creation of local institutions (CONSERVAMabu) capable of leading Monte Mabu’s management, establishing a community conservation area covering approximately 9,300 ha defined participatively with local communities, and developing sustainable livelihoods that generate employment and income and encourage biodiversity conservation.

Strategic Value of Mountain Ecosystems

During the seminar, it was highlighted that Mozambique’s mountain ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and contribute significantly to essential ecosystem services, including hydrological regulation, soil fertility, pollination and climate stabilisation. Julian Bayliss, keynote speaker, presented scientific data demonstrating that these mountains host endemic, rare, new-to-science and threatened plant and animal species, according to the Red List classification of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

These services directly support the national economy by generating employment, income and tax revenue, through the provision of water to urban areas, the supply of mineral water (Namaacha, Gurué and Vumba), fisheries and hydropower generation, as well as services that contribute to food security. The rich sociocultural myths and customs associated with the mountains safeguard other ecosystem services, including biodiversity protection.

Community Engagement Experiences Presented from Manica, Sofala and Zambézia

The seminar included a specialised panel with representatives from four emblematic mountains:

• António Ngovene (Chimanimani) presented the results of biodiversity indicator surveys, highlighting unique ecological and sociocultural characteristics.
• Thor Kuchler (Gorongosa) focused on the solutions implemented, from sustainable livelihoods to mountain restoration programmes, demonstrating effective models of community participation.
• Sá Nogueira (Namuli) addressed the sustainable use interventions implemented and their positive effect on the well-being of local communities.
• António Serra (Mabu) shared the steps taken to establish the community conservation area, emphasising community leadership in management and financial sustainability.

National Call to Action

José Monteiro and Camila de Sousa were responsible for closing the event with the official launch of MMEI through a specific appeal directed to various sectors of Mozambican society:

• Researchers and Students were called upon to intensify studies on ecology, biodiversity, anthropology, history, culture and the economic value of mountains.
• Civil Society Organisations and the Private Sector were urged to support communities in developing sustainable value chains, exploring economic opportunities in partnership with local communities and establishing payment mechanisms for ecosystem services.
• Government was urged to create a favourable environment for the protection, sustainable management and payment for the services of mountain ecosystems.
• Development Partners were invited to support programmes addressing mountain biodiversity and contributing to climate and hydrological regulation within national and transboundary boundaries.

Historical Context of the Initiative

MMEI results from the participation of Mozambican researchers and professionals in the 2nd Southern African Mountain Conference (SAMC), held in South Africa in March 2025, which galvanised the need for coordinated action for the national and transboundary protection of mountains. International and national scientists, professionals and government representatives subsequently held reflection sessions to conceptualise this initiative.

Next Steps

The Mozambique Mountain Ecosystems Initiative is now established as a permanent platform for reflection and action for the protection, promotion of sustainable use, and payment for the ecosystem services of Mozambican and transboundary mountains. The initiative will include a short- and long-term agenda, involving all sectors of society in preserving this unique national and international heritage.

Policy Note on the Conservation of Mozambique’s Mountains

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND recently welcomed a visit from Rob Walton, an American businessman and conservationist, on a strategic mission to Mozambique that reinforces the country’s role in biodiversity conservation. The visit aimed to explore synergies and partnerships around innovative financing initiatives and the conservation of priority Conservation Areas.

Rob Walton is widely recognised as the former chairman of Walmart and current principal owner of the American football team, the Denver Broncos. Beyond the business world, Walton has been deeply dedicated to biodiversity conservation and sustainability, leading pioneering initiatives at Walmart and establishing partnerships with organisations such as Conservation International. He is currently focusing his efforts on biodiversity conservation on a global scale.

In 2024, through the Rob Walton Foundation, he funded a study in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), African Parks, and the Frankfurt Zoological Society, which identified 162 protected areas in Africa with the potential to contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation. These areas represent about 33% of protected lands and host 71% of threatened vertebrate species. Known as “Keystone Protected Areas”, these regions are considered ecological pillars with the capacity to generate environmental and socioeconomic benefits across surrounding landscapes.

In this context, the project proposes a new way of identifying resilient areas that play a strategic role in biodiversity conservation and in providing ecosystem services. Among these areas, eight are located in Mozambique, reinforcing the country’s role in the continental conservation agenda.

During the visit to BIOFUND’s offices in Maputo, Rob Walton and his team were able to learn about the institution’s trajectory and the current state of support for Conservation Areas in Mozambique. Duko Hopman, Executive Director of the Rob Walton Foundation, stated:

“I have heard a lot about BIOFUND over the years, and I am glad to finally meet you. All these activities align with our objectives, and we are certain that BIOFUND can play an important role, especially in innovative financing mechanisms such as debt-for-nature swaps, biodiversity offsets, and environmental compensations.”

For his part, Sean Nazerali, Director of Innovative Financing at BIOFUND, stressed the importance of shared management models in Conservation Areas:

“Co-management is the right path among different actors in conservation, and there is a need to clearly communicate the value of conservation for the economy and communities. Conservation is development. If we want a sustainable economy, we must conserve.”

Rob Walton’s visit marks a significant step towards future international collaborations and reinforces BIOFUND’s role as a key actor in sustainable financing mechanisms for conservation. In close collaboration with ANAC, the entity responsible for managing conservation areas in Mozambique, this partnership strengthens the country’s institutional capacity. The Keystone Protected Areas approach may guide the next generation of strategic biodiversity investments in Africa, with Mozambique in a central position in this process.

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

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

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

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

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

At the end of the first quarter of 2025, twenty young residents of the Niassa Special Reserve completed intensive courses in electricity and photovoltaic systems, cutting and sewing, and cooking and pastry at the Centre for Sustainable Education in Pemba. The initiative is part of the Rural Resilience Project in Northern Mozambique (MozNorte), financed by the International Development Association (IDA/World Bank), implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS Mozambique), with the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) as the fiduciary agency and with the support of the Government of Mozambique.

MozNorte operates in 18 districts across the provinces of Niassa, Cabo Delgado and Nampula, where it will directly benefit around 300 communities. The objective is to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable populations, with particular focus on internally displaced people, and to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources in critical landscapes in the north of the country.

The completed courses fall under the subcomponent “stabilisation of livelihoods through community-driven development”, part of Component 1 of the project, which aims to “improve access to livelihoods and community infrastructure”. This subcomponent finances training, small businesses and labour-intensive infrastructure to generate quick income, promote social cohesion and reduce pressures on forests, wildlife and artisanal fisheries.

Over eight weeks, the trainees, selected from the districts of Mecula and Mavago, learned technical skills and concepts of health and safety, financial management and customer service. The knowledge acquired opens opportunities for self-employment and the creation of micro-enterprises, diversifying the local economy and strengthening household resilience in the face of climate shocks and conflicts.

By 2026, MozNorte plans to replicate similar initiatives in other districts, linking them with conservation agriculture, sustainable fishing and co-management of conservation areas, in order to consolidate income, social inclusion and biodiversity protection in the most fragile regions of the north of the country.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mágoe & Zumbo, April 2025 — More than one hundred rangers from Mágoe National Park (PNM) and the Tchuma Tchato Community Programme (PCTT) completed, in April, an intensive training on gender equality, prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA/SH), and social and environmental safeguards, under the MozRural programme. The initiative aims to ensure ethical and sensitive conduct from conservation officers, protecting local communities and visitors.

The MozRural programme establishes strict standards for environmental and social compliance. This training equipped participants with tools to:

• Identify risky behaviours
• Prevent situations of abuse
• Properly refer reported cases through the newly introduced Multisectoral Referral Mechanism, which integrates health, justice, security and social action.

1. Mágoe National Park — 80 participants (rangers and focal points).
2. Tchuma Tchato Community Programme — 30 participants, including rangers, supervisors from the service provider Tiago Lidimba, and members of the district mechanism of Zumbo.

One of the milestones of the training was the collective signing of the Code of Conduct, following a reading and clarification of its key points. The signed copies will be archived for accountability and auditing purposes, reinforcing individual commitment to ethics, respect and protection.

With these skills, rangers become agents of protection and safeguard, strengthening trust between communities and partner institutions — BIOFUND, ANAC and FNDS. The expected outcomes include:

• Reduction of GBV/SEA/SH incidents in conservation areas;
• Full compliance with response protocols;
• Promotion of a culture of responsibility, equality and inclusion on the ground.

To learn more about these trainings or to support future initiatives, visit www.biofund.org.mz or contact info@biofund.org.mz. Share this news and inspire other conservation landscapes to adopt practices that protect both people and biodiversity.

Protecting this natural heritage is protecting the future.

The foundation stone for the fence of the Muwai community conservation area was officially laid, in a ceremony filled with symbolism and collective commitment to biodiversity protection and community well-being. The 43 km elephant-proof structure promises to reduce human-wildlife conflicts while strengthening locally led conservation practices.

This initiative represents an unprecedented milestone in Mozambique, as it is the first community fence of its kind financed by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), with support from Sweden through its Biodiversity Conservation Programme. The project is being implemented in coordination with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) and other partners, including the Maputo Conservation Company, the Maputo Environmental Protection Area, and the Maputo National Park.

During the ceremony, institutional and community representatives highlighted the importance of the structure not only as a physical barrier but as a symbol of “trust, partnership, and hope.” The fence was designed with technology adapted to elephant behavior, including solar-powered electric wires and reinforced structures to prevent invasions, thereby protecting neighboring farming communities.

The ANAC representative stressed that this is “a concrete step in the protection and conservation of wildlife” and thanked the involvement of national and international partners, such as the Embassy of Sweden, FNDS, and the World Bank. “More than a physical structure, it symbolizes the recognition of traditional values that have flourished here for generations,” he said.

Frida Rodhe, representative of the Embassy of Sweden, emphasized the long journey leading to the implementation of the project: “It is not only a fence; it is a symbol of hope and development for the area.” She also stressed the expectation that the structure “will bring safety to the communities, while also enhancing their production opportunities.”

Luís Bernardo Honwana, Executive Director of BIOFUND, reinforced the strategic role of this initiative for community conservation in the country:

“BIOFUND reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting strong community initiatives that promote conservation and contribute to the well-being of local communities.” He also emphasized the importance of the “active involvement of all institutions present: ANAC, APA Maputo, Maputo National Park, Maputo Conservation Company, and local authorities, to ensure the success and sustainability of this initiative and to consolidate the Muwai area as a national reference.”

Honwana also called for the “responsible and transparent management of resources” and highlighted the role of communities as the “true guardians of this area.”

Armando Tembe, a community representative, recalled that at the beginning “they did not believe this process would achieve these results,” but today the feeling is one of collective pride: “The communities are ready to conserve biodiversity.” The leader praised the training efforts and exchange of experiences carried out, particularly the study visits to South Africa, as examples of mobilization and community ownership of the project.

Finally, Musa, from the Maputo Conservation Company, explained in detail the technical functioning of the fence and the measures taken to ensure the safety of both people and animals. “This is the first line of defense (…). Communities on the other side can continue to live and do what they have been doing for a long time,” he said, referring to the direct impact the structure will have on the daily lives of local populations.

The ceremony ended with a visit to the construction site, where participants observed the technical components and clarified questions about the project. The Muwai fence thus establishes itself as a pioneering example of community conservation in Mozambique, combining local knowledge, technological innovation, and international cooperation.

More than 25,100 seedlings of native species have been planted across approximately 14 hectares in Chimanimani National Park (PNC), as part of the pilot habitat improvement project. Key species planted for restoration include Brachystegia spp., Julbernadia globiflora, Erythrina lysistemon, Dichrostachys cinerea, among others.

This marks the first phase of the global target to plant around 216,000 seedlings across 130 ha in the communities of Nhabawa and Chikuwa, located in the PNC’s Total Protection Zone. The planting for this first phase took place from 1 to 21 April 2025 in areas previously identified as degraded due to land clearing for cultivation and other anthropogenic activities. Implementation was carried out by local communities contracted by the park, with guidance, monitoring and supervision from a multisectoral team composed of PNC technicians, Eden Reforestation, and recent graduates from the Manica Polytechnic Institute (ISPM) and the Chimoio Agricultural Institute (IAC).

This activity is part of the pilot habitat improvement project implemented in the PNC in partnership with the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) as a test of procedures and capacity-building for future biodiversity offsets in the park. The initiative is financially supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) through the Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development (CBDC) project implemented in the Chimanimani landscape since 2021.

Mozambique was represented at the International Park Leadership Seminar, held from 22 April to 1 May 2025 in San Francisco, California (USA), by a delegation comprising members of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the Government of Mozambique. This national participation was part of a technical and institutional capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening skills in protected area management and conservation leadership.

BIOFUND joined the mission through the participation of its Programme Director, Alexandra Jorge, and Project Manager, Victória Cossa, underscoring the institution’s active commitment to developing national capacity for more effective and sustainable management of protected areas. The delegation also included representatives from the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), namely its Director General, Pejul Calenga, the Administrator of Limpopo National Park, Francisco Pariela, and the Project Coordinator, Madyo Couto.

The seminar served as a strategic platform for sharing experiences and best practices among conservation professionals from countries such as Tanzania, Belize, Ireland, Ghana, Kenya, Japan, Ukraine, Slovakia, and the United States. It also featured collaboration with renowned institutions, including the National Park Service, the University of California – Natural Reserve System, Utah Valley University, and California State Parks.

BIOFUND’s presence at this international forum reinforced the institution’s role in promoting leadership and innovation in conservation in Mozambique, contributing to the design of stronger and more sustainable public policies and to the institutional strengthening of stakeholders within the National System of Conservation Areas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PROMOVE Biodiversidade: Conservation and Sustainable Development in Gilé National Park

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

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

APAIPS: Protecting Marine Biodiversity with PROMOVE Biodiversidade

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

CITES Regulation Approved by the Government: ANAC Leads the Process

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the second week of April 2025, thirty community technicians involved in the construction of a 43 km electric fence in the Muwai Community Conservation Area (Muwai CCA) benefited from training on Environmental and Social Safeguards. The training was delivered in Portuguese and Changana by specialists from the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), with the aim of ensuring strict compliance with environmental and social standards during the implementation of the infrastructure.

During the training, crucial topics were addressed, such as the importance of conserving natural resources, good environmental and social practices in project implementation, Occupational Health, Hygiene and Safety (OHS) measures, the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as sensitive topics such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Sexual Harassment (SH). The beneficiaries were also informed about their rights and duties, the dialogue and grievance mechanism, and were introduced to the Green Line as one of the reporting channels.

The training is part of the Biodiversity Conservation Programme (2023–2027), coordinated by BIOFUND, in close collaboration with ANAC-IP, and funded by the Government of Sweden.

The initiative responds to a request from the Futhi Corridor Community Association, which represents the communities of Huco, Matchia, Madjadjane, Salamanga, Tchia and Massala, also located in the Futi Corridor, with the aim of mitigating the impacts of human-elephant conflict that has affected the region for several years.

With technical support from Conserve Global, Maputo National Park and the Maputo Environmental Protection Area (Maputo EPA), the project seeks to reduce human and agricultural losses, promote harmonious coexistence between communities and elephants, and foster the development of sustainable economic activities such as ecotourism.

It is important to highlight that this is the first project at national level involving the construction of an electric fence to establish a community conservation area. This initiative reinforces the relevance of active community involvement in biodiversity protection and in the promotion of sustainable and inclusive development.

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

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

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

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