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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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