In the second edition of the International Conference Crescendo Azul, which took place in Vilankulo, Inhambane province from 18 to 19 November 2021, the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND, highlighted the importance of conserving marine and coastal biodiversity, as well as the role of conservation areas in Mozambique in protecting biodiversity and providing ecosystem services.

Speaking at the plenary session on Innovation and Ocean, Alexandra Jorge, Director of Programs at BIOFUND, highlighted that the marine and coastal Conservation Areas are of great importance to maintain the balance of ecosystems, conservation of numerous species of fauna and flora, promotion of tourism and economic development of the surrounding communities.

Alexandra Jorge highlighted that BIOFUND has supported, since 2017, all 7 Conservation Areas of coastal and marine biodiversity in the country, namely the Maputo Special Reserve (REM), Ponta de Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (RMPPO), National Reserve of Pomene (RNP), Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (PNAB), Wild Sanctuary of Vilanculos in Cabo São Sebastião (SBV), Primeiras and Segundas Environmental Protection Area (APAIPS) and Quirimbas National Park (PNQ).

During the session, the representative of BIOFUND highlighted the role and added value of BIOFUND  for the conservation of biodiversity in Mozambique, referring to the direct and sustainable long-term support to public and private Conservation Areas in the country, the promotion of new leaders in conservation and also a focal point and fundraising agent for new innovative financing opportunities, highlighting recent opportunities available from the Rain Forest Trust to support new protected areas and from the Global Funds for Coral Reefs. BIOFUND was recently selected to be the convening agent for the GFCR in Mozambique, opening new opportunities for the protection, preservation, and investment in coral reefs in the country and new multi-sector synergies.

Also at the event, BIOFUND led the organization of a side-event on mangroves and marine sustainability in collaboration with the Instituto de Investigacao Pesqueira (IIP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This hybrid event brought together around 60 participants and several national and international initiatives on mangrove conservation were presented and discussed, with emphasis on the Metrics to assess the condition of mangroves – a partnership between BIOFUND, UEM and WCS.

In this event of national and international scope, BIOFUND also marked its presence with an exhibition of marine and coastal biodiversity, presented by interns from the Leadership Program for the Conservation of Mozambique (PLCM), who interactively illustrated the main habitats to the public, the marine species existing in the marine and coastal Conservation Areas of Mozambique, as well as introduced the different programs implemented by BIOFUND. The exhibition had around 600 visitors, including the President of the Republic, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, his counterpart the President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta and several foreign delegations, the Minister of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries, Augusta Maíta and other high-level nationals.

Follow here the different moments of this conference organized by the Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries.