The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity– BIOFUND paid tribute to Paul Dutton, widely recognized as a legendary figure in biodiversity conservation, during a solemn ceremony held on 19 June 2023 at the BCI Building.

The event was attended by notable figures, including the Minister of Land and Environment, Ivete Maibaze, the Chairman of the BIOFUND Board of Directors, Narciso Matos, the Executive Director of BIOFUND, Luís Honwana, and BCI Administrator, Luís Aguiar. Representatives from conservation institutions, colleagues, and friends of Paul Dutton shared memories and testimonies illustrating his life and legacy.

Paul Dutton, whose career as a conservationist is deeply intertwined with the sector’s priorities—particularly the strengthening of the environment and natural resources as key drivers of national economic development—was the focal point of the ceremony.
“Paul Dutton’s work is a great honour to us, for his contribution to preserving our natural capital against all kinds of threats, as well as for raising citizens’ awareness of the importance of wildlife. His passion and dedication to the cause of biodiversity conservation and restoration in the Southern African region, and in Mozambique in particular, has been a source of knowledge and inspiration for today’s generation of conservationists, and certainly a model for future professionals,” stated Minister Ivete Maibaze.

Speaking on behalf of BIOFUND, Luís Bernardo Honwana highlighted that Paul Dutton has long been one of the key references for conservation in Mozambique.
“His commitment to protecting the country’s fragile ecosystems and its unique species has been exemplary and has directly influenced our approach to their conservation,” Honwana noted.

Paul Dutton dedicated his life to biodiversity conservation, conducting wildlife counts and biodiversity surveys in key conservation areas. His work contributed significantly to the development and growth of several Conservation Areas, including the Maputo, Gorongosa, Chimanimani, Bazaruto, Banhine, and Gilé National Parks. Learn more about the tribute to Paul Dutton here!