WCS Mozambique Marine Program, with the support of the Blue Action Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and other partners, is honoured to participate in the 13th WIOMSA Symposium 2025, one of the largest scientific conferences dedicated to the Western Indian Ocean, taking place from 28 September – 3 October 2025 in Mombasa, Kenya.
Our mission is to protect Mozambique’s most vital ecosystems, from restoring mangroves and advancing community-led fisheries management to uncovering hidden wonders like the Blue Holes of Nacala. These initiatives aim to shape a more resilient future for marine biodiversity and for the coastal communities that depend on it.
The symposium offers a unique opportunity to share knowledge, inspire collaboration, and showcase how partnerships and innovative projects are driving tangible impact for healthy oceans and thriving livelihoods.
This year, four members of our team will present their work and contributions to marine conservation in Mozambique.
Through their participation, Naseeba, Erwan, Alberto and Carlos will bring forward inspiring examples of how science, community engagement, and restoration efforts are working together to safeguard Mozambique’s ocean heritage.
Their contributions reflect WCS Mozambique’s broader commitment, to building a future where marine ecosystems are healthy, resilient, and continue to provide for the communities who depend on them.
Our speakers
Naseeba Sidat
Marine biologist with a Master’s in Coastal Science and Policy, she has been dedicated to biodiversity conservation since 2012. Her work focuses on marine conservation in Mozambique, particularly the protection of sharks and rays. At the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), she leads initiatives on shark and ray projects, sustainable artisanal fisheries, marine conservation policy, and coastal community engagement.
Her passion lies in designing long-lasting solutions for marine ecosystems, initiatives that not only protect species but also empower coastal communities to take an active role in stewardship. Outside of her professional work, Naseeba is an advocate for environmental education and believes that building awareness among young people is essential to ensuring Mozambique’s next generation grows up valuing and protecting the ocean.
At WIOMSA 2025:
Date: 2 October 2025
Venue: Arabuko 2
Time: 11:00
Session III: Sustainable Fisheries in a Changing Ocean
Presentation: “Empowering Fishing Communities for Sustainable Management of Local Fisheries and Conserving Shark and Ray Populations at Zalala Beach – Mozambique.”
Erwan Sola
Erwan Sola, WCS Mozambique’s Coral Reef Scientist, holds a Ph.D. in Marine Biology and has built a career dedicated to exploring and protecting coral reef ecosystems across southern Africa. His expertise focuses on coral reproduction and resilience, contributing essential knowledge to the management of some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world.
Passionate about both research and mentorship, Erwan has trained numerous young divers and scientists, sharing his extensive field experience and enthusiasm for marine ecology. His scientific journey has taken him from Mozambique’s vibrant reefs to complex reef systems along the southern African coast, where he has become a leading voice in reef conservation.
At the symposium he will present: Blue Holes of Nacala: First Ecological Assessment of an Anchialine System in Mozambique.
This pioneering study mapped 23 “blue holes” in which 20 were assessed – unique coastal limestone formations of pools and caves comparable to Mexico’s cenotes. The research is the first of its kind in Mozambique, revealing the potential for high biodiversity and species new to science.
Beyond his research, Erwan is deeply interested in the interface between science and storytelling. He believes that making marine science accessible and engaging to a wider audience is crucial to building support for conservation. Whether underwater or presenting to a room full of policymakers, his ultimate goal is to foster a deeper appreciation of the ocean’s mysteries and motivate action to protect them.
At WIOMSA 2025:
Date: 1 October 2025
Venue: Sail Fish
Time: 11:45
Session V: Biodiversity, Species Ecology and Ecosystem Monitoring
Alberto Fernando
Alberto Fernando, Mangrove Officer for the WCS Mozambique Blue Future Project, is specialised in mangrove ecology and restoration. He holds a degree in Marine, Aquatic, and Coastal Biology from Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) and is currently pursuing a master’s in biology and Conservation Ecology at the same institution.
His professional journey combines science, teaching, and applied conservation. With more than five years of experience, Alberto has worked as both a researcher and trainer, focusing on the ecological assessment of mangrove fauna and flora, as well as on carbon stock evaluations. His expertise places him at the center of Mozambique’s efforts to understand, conserve, and restore mangrove ecosystems, critical lifelines for coastal protection and community resilience.
At the symposium, Alberto will present: Hydrological Restoration of Muanangome Mangrove Forest in Nampula Province, Mozambique.”
This initiative, carried out under the Blue Future project, reestablished natural water flow in a degraded mangrove forest affected by salt pond conversion, cyclones, and unsustainable logging. It is one of Mozambique’s first documented mangrove hydrological restoration efforts, offering an important model for future interventions.
Beyond the field, Alberto has a strong interest in scientific illustration, which he uses as a tool to make complex ecological concepts more accessible. He sees visual communication as a bridge between science and society, helping communities, students, and decision-makers to better understand the value of mangroves. His passion lies not only in restoring ecosystems but also in inspiring people to care about and participate in their protection.
At WIOMSA 2025:
Date: 2 October 2025
Venue: Shimba
Time: 11:30
Session VII: Mangrove Restoration, Monitoring & Blue Carbon
Special Session
The Blue Future Project will take part in a special session on Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), organized by the Blue Action Fund. The session will bring together partners and experts from across the Western Indian Ocean to exchange knowledge and highlight lessons from the Fund’s EbA funding window.
During the session, Blue Future represented by Carlos Meirinhos, will showcase its innovative performance-based payment model for mangrove restoration – a system that rewards tangible conservation results. The project will also explore how this model could be expanded to other critical ecosystems, including seagrass and coral reefs, opening the door to broader restoration opportunities and stronger community benefits.
The session involves several partners who played key roles:
Donor: Blue Action Fund (BAF), Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Host: WIOMSA & Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI).
Organisation Team: WCS, Fauna & Flora, UNEP-WCMC, Blue Ventures, Peace Parks Foundation, WWF Madagascar, Rare, ADRA, WildTrust, Mwambao Coastal Community Network
