The 2nd Edition of the Marine Biodiversity Conference, held on 17 and 18 June 2024 in Nacala-Porto, was a highly successful event, bringing together a total of 510 in-person participants and over 6,000 online participants over the two days of the event. This event, organised by BIOFUND in collaboration with the Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries and several national and international partners, highlighted the importance of conserving Mozambique’s marine and coastal ecosystems.
• Ecosystem-based adaptation: The need for decentralisation and an integrated approach and the promotion of new sustainable fishing techniques were highlighted. The importance of involving local communities in the management of marine resources and educating schoolchildren about environmental preservation were also central themes.
• Marine Conservation Areas: The challenges of resource use in protected areas, the expansion of protected area boundaries and the need for increased funding for conservation projects for marine invertebrates, which have been given less priority compared to large species, were discussed.
• Coastal and Marine Biodiversity: The importance of public disclosure of research data and conservation reports was highlighted, ensuring sharing, transparency and greater awareness of conservation efforts.
The Minister of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries, Lídia Cardoso, emphasized the need for clear and effective communication for the implementation of conservation measures and the vital role of sustainable fishing techniques. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of BIOFUND, Dr. Narciso Matos, reaffirmed BIOFUND’s commitment to resource mobilization and management for biodiversity conservation. Alexandra Jorge, Director of Programs at BIOFUND, highlighted the importance of integrating research themes into these debate events, whose results are the basis for making management and strategic decisions and for involving children in conservation initiatives.
The event provided a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, presenting innovative research and strengthening collaboration networks among participants.
The event was held with the generous support and engagement of numerous partners and funders.
The organizers included the Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries (MIMAIP), the Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique (InOM), Museus do Mar, Museu da História Natural, Administração Nacional das Áreas de Conservação (ANAC), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Eduardo Mondlane University, Lúrio University, Likhulu Foundation, Nacala Institute of Health Sciences, Repensar Environmental Education Cooperative, Mulala Marine Sanctuary and the Oikos Institute.
Funders include the Blue Action Fund – BAF, the Government of Sweden, the World Bank through MozBio 2, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – FAO project in partnership with the Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) and the Nairobi Convention, the German Cooperation through GIZ, the Peace Parks Foundation (PPF), the Italian Cooperation, RARE, ADRA, IDEA Global through USAID, the Blue Planet Fund UK, the Embassy of Portugal, the European Union through the PROMOVE Biodiversity Programme, WIOMSA, BCI, NED BANK, and MOZA.
The 2nd Edition of the Marine Biodiversity Conference concluded with the announcement of the venue for the next edition, in 2025, which will be held in the city of Beira, Sofala province. This decision aims to expand the scope of the event and continue to promote the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems in different regions of the country.
This conference was a unique opportunity to join forces and discuss effective strategies for the protection of Mozambique’s marine biodiversity. It is hoped that the recommendations and connections established during the event will inspire concrete and lasting actions, ensuring a more sustainable future for marine and coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The exhibition and environmental education activities integrated into the event will remain open to the public until June 23rd, at the Institute of Health Sciences in Nacala-Porto.
To find out more, visit our page for the 2nd edition of the Marine Biodiversity Conference https://www.biofund.org.mz/projects/conferencia-da-biodiversidade-marinha/.
