From 3 to 4 September, Beira hosted the 3rd edition of the Marine Biodiversity Conference, a space for dialogue that brought together researchers, policy makers, development partners, civil society and the community to strengthen commitments to marine Protection in Mozambique.
The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, reaffirmed during the opening speech of the event that natural resources are a national priority. He underlined the Government’s commitment to its protection and preservation, noting that the event reinforces the strategic partnership that the Government maintains with WCS and BIOFUND to achieve common objectives: “Protection of the natural and environmental capital of the Republic of Mozambique”, declared the Head of State.
In the same vein, BIOFUND’s Chairman of the Board, Carlos dos Santos, highlighted the centrality of marine biodiversity in sustainable development and recalled that the origin of this cooperation and knowledge platform is rooted in the Blue Future project.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mozambique, through the Blue Future project as part of the Marine Program, played a central role in the conference, actively contributing to the success of the event. Having promoted an interactive stand that brought science and communities closer and participated in the panel on “The role of scientific research in marine conservation – challenges and opportunities“, highlighting the relevance of ecosystem-based solutions for the sustainable management of ocean resources.
During the conference, WCS, also held strategic meetings with partners and donors to discuss the national strategy for the expansion of Marine Conservation Areas (MCAs), within the framework of the national 30×30 commitment, consolidating key collaborations to ensure a sustainable future for both the oceans and the communities that depend on them.
