The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) on 14 July 2020 held the 3rd meeting of the Steering Committee of the Mozambique Leadership for Conservation Programme – PLCM.

The main objective of the event was to present the main activities undertaken by the PLCM during the first six months of 2020, and the prospects for activities for the second half of the year, considering the challenges imposed by COVID-19 which has affected significantly the activities envisaged for the year.

During the meeting, the members of the Steering Committee approved the resumption of some activities that had been paralysed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of particular note was approval of the resumption of internships and research in the Conservation Areas, which will begin soon, considered on a case by case basis, and respecting all the hygiene and safety measures established by the health authorities in the fight against COVID-19.

It should be mentioned that the Steering Committee of the PLCM is a body that seeks to guarantee that various programme actions should be accompanied, as well as providing strategic guidance that guarantees legitimacy and quality of the programme results. The body consists of 12 members who represent the institutions of the National System of Conservation Area (SNAC), the Government, academic and professional training institutions, National and International NGOs, and the private sector.

This body meets twice a year, at the end of each six month period. Due to the global health situation, imposed by the COVID 19 pandemic,the meeting took place in a virtual manner, through the Zoom communication platform.