The training programme on Community Governance, Planning and Financial Management, promoted by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) in partnership with the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the European Union through the Promove Biodiversidade Programme, concluded on Friday, 28 August, with participants from four Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) reflecting on their experiences, key learnings and future plans.

Over five days, representatives from the Community Conservation Areas of Monte Mabu (Zambézia Province), Mwai (Maputo Province), Chipanje Chetu (Niassa Province), and Zumbo (Tete Province) strengthened their knowledge of community governance, planning processes, financial management, procurement procedures, budget execution and accountability. The sessions were facilitated by BIOFUND’s administration and finance team, together with community governance specialists from the Promove Biodiversidade Programme.

The closing ceremony provided an opportunity for participants to share their reflections on the training and highlight the value of exchanging experiences with peers from different regions of Mozambique.

For Mateus Carvo, representing the Monte Mabu Community Conservation Area, the programme was not only a learning opportunity but also a memorable personal experience, as it marked his first visit to Maputo.

“Travelling from Mabu to Maputo was already an incredible experience, something I never imagined. Taking part in this training was even more rewarding because we will now be able to share good practices in community governance and financial management to strengthen both our communities and the Monte Mabu Conservation Area, contributing to sustainable development.”

The benefits of cross-learning among communities were also emphasised by Assucena Tabeta from the Mwai Community Conservation Area, who noted that she intends to apply the knowledge gained on different approaches to conservation funding and resource management within her community.

“Our expectation is to generate meaningful benefits for the community through social and economic development. We highly commend BIOFUND for this initiative and hope to see more opportunities like this, particularly those that encourage exchanges between different Community Conservation Areas.”

The Chairperson of CONSERVAMABU highlighted that the training equipped Monte Mabu’s representatives with valuable new skills and practical knowledge.

“We did not expect to gain such a broad range of knowledge. This training was extremely welcome, and we greatly appreciated it. On behalf of the communities of Mabu, we are grateful and committed to taking these lessons back home to support our community’s development.”

Participants from the Zumbo Community Conservation Area described the training as an important step towards strengthening their capacity to mobilize and manage financial resources effectively.

“Accessing funding requires a clear understanding of how to manage resources responsibly. That is why this training will be a significant asset for us.”

They also expressed appreciation to BIOFUND for creating a platform that brought together communities from across the country to learn from one another.

Similarly, Mandla Tembe, representing the Mwai Community Conservation Area, described the programme as a key contribution to the growth and development of his conservation area.

“We are still a relatively small conservation area, but we have ambitious goals for growth. Without a doubt, this training provides the right foundation for that journey. We are grateful for the opportunity and for the knowledge gained, which will serve as an important catalyst for our development.”

Throughout the five-day programme, participants engaged in practical group exercises designed to apply newly acquired knowledge while encouraging the exchange of ideas, experiences and solutions related to the management of Community Conservation Areas.

The training concluded with a certificate award ceremony led by BIOFUND’s Director of Programmes, Alexandra Jorge, marking the successful completion of an initiative aimed at strengthening community capacities and promoting more transparent, accountable and participatory management of Community Conservation Areas.

Funded by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), this initiative forms part of the ongoing commitment of BIOFUND and ANAC to empower local communities in the stewardship and protection of biodiversity, contributing to the long-term sustainability of Community Conservation Areas across Mozambique.