Mozambique hosted the International Crescendo Azul Conference promoted by the Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries (MIMAIP) between 23 and 25 May, with BIOFUND standing out with a multidisciplinary participation.

The conference aimed to promote reflection on the management of marine and coastal resources, provide assistance in decision-making and define actions for the realization of a common vision for the sustainable development of the oceans.

BIOFUND was supported by the Biodiversity Offsets Program, funded by the CPI / USAID, and participated at various moments in the conference on the theme “Together for the Enhancement of Mozambique’s Marine and Coastal Biodiversity“. The participation includes high-level debates, a speech on the importance of mangroves in combating marine and coastal pollution, and the exhibition of marine biodiversity in Mozambique.

The event was attended by more than 500 representatives of bilateral, multilateral institutions, governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations, academics, local communities and media representatives at the national and international level, with the participation of the Honourable President of the Republic of Mozambique, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the Honourable President of the Seychelles, Danny Faure, and other representatives of the region.

The Chairman of the Board of BIOFUND, Dr Abdul Magid Osman in his participation in the High Level Panel highlighted the various aspects related to the management of the marine environment in Mozambique and the need to promote sustainable development based on the importance of ecosystems that can promote the well-being of communities.

Under the scope of the event on May 24 and 25 in the Museum of Fisheries, a speech was held on the importance of mangroves for humans beings guided by BIOFUND technicians in order to sensitize young students about the importance of mangroves in the maintenance of the ecological balance of cities and life of living beings, and the exhibition of marine biodiversity illustrated through exhibition panels and photographs representing sustainable fisheries practices.

In partnership with the Eduardo Mondlane University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Marine Biology, 4th year students took visitors to the exhibition on an incredible tour of the marine, aquatic and coastal biodiversity of Mozambique.

This conference is part of the actions planned by BIOFUND as part of its Strategic Plan and its programs to raise awareness among civil society of the urgent need to harmonize economic development and biodiversity conservation with a particular focus on conservation areas in Mozambique.

BIOFUND participation was supported by the photographer Pedro Ferreira (www.ferreirasphotography.com) in the photographic exhibition on marine life on the stand of the Joaquim Chissano Conference Center and the Environmental Educator and photographer Mário Ngonga who collaborated in the speech and photographs exhibition on sustainable fisheries held at the Fisheries Museum.