BIOFUND received with deep sadness the news of the death of JOSÉ DIAS DOS SANTOS MOHAMEDE, Administrator of the Gilé National Reserve, one of the Conservation Areas with which it has been collaborating closely, as one of the first beneficiaries of the Abelha Project (support to Conservation Areas – AFD/BIOFUND funding), as more recently one of the main beneficiaries of the Program Promove Biodiversity (European Union funding). JOSÉ DIAS’ contribution to the consolidation of the National System of Conservation Areas is unmeasurable: JOSÉ DIAS was a member of the founding team of Quirimbas National Park (PNQ) and the National Administration of Conservation Areas; he left with us the legacy of creating one of the largest Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) in the world, the Rovuma TFCA linking Quirimbas, Niassa Reserve with Sellous and Siringuetti in Tanzania. JOSÉ DIAS’ bravery in combating poaching and illegal logging will always be remembered with nostalgia.

JOSÉ DIAS dedicated most of his life to the cause of conservation, always with great professionalism, commitment, determination and humility.

Let us send our condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues and the Mozambique conservation group.