Mozambique and UK announce €9.3M investment in marine conservation

The governments of Mozambique and the United Kingdom have announced a joint investment of approximately €9.3 million to support nature conservation and the development of the blue economy. The initiative aims to strengthen biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable ocean management.

A significant portion of the funding, up to €6 million, will be directed toward the COAST Facility through 2030. Operating under the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, this program focuses on coastal and marine conservation, including mangrove restoration, sustainable fisheries, and building community resilience. Additionally, €2.3 million will be allocated to a partnership with the Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (Biofund) to promote community-led conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

The commitment was discussed in Maputo during a meeting between the UK’s Special Representative for Nature, Ruth Davis, and President Daniel Chapo. The collaboration aligns with Mozambique’s national strategy to expand marine protected areas to cover 30% of its maritime territory by 2035.