Mozambique biodiversity conservation and management

Mozambique is advancing several initiatives focused on biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management. The Biodiversity Conservation Fund (BIOFUND) and the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) recently concluded a program supported by the Swedish government to strengthen public policies, climate resilience, and community participation in ecosystem management.

In tandem with these policy efforts, the country is enhancing its scientific capabilities through a marine research cruise involving the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Institute of Marine Research in Norway. This expedition aims to collect specimens within Mozambique’s Exclusive Economic Zone to support local taxonomic studies and preserve scientific material at the Maputo Natural History Museum.

On a regional level, Mozambique hosted a National Dialogue in Maputo regarding the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Program. The dialogue sought to coordinate the establishment of a national network of conservation areas. Government officials emphasized the intent to convert natural capital into economic opportunities, such as sustainable tourism and green employment, to benefit local communities.

Recent developments include the inauguration of new dormitory infrastructure in Banhine National Park to house up to 50 park rangers. Funded by a partnership between ANAC and the Peace Parks Foundation, these facilities are intended to improve working conditions and enhance the fight against biodiversity crimes. Furthermore, the BIOFUND and ANAC Biodiversity Conservation Program, supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), has reported progress in ecosystem service conservation, innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthening community resilience to climate change.