The virtual exhibition is part of the event to celebrate World Oceans Day, celebrated today, June 8, 2020, under the motto “Innovation and Sustainability of the Ocean: Clean Sea, Protected Ecosystem”.

The marine ecosystem in Mozambique is under pressure due to human activities which directly affect the oceans. The photographic exhibition, with themes related to marine ecosystems, is focused on drawing attention to the important role of the oceans in the lives of human beings and to highlight human practices which harm the oceans.

In coastal ecosystems, mangroves are responsible for much of the marine and coastal productivity (fish, mollusks, crustaceans, etc.). They are also critical for the stability of the coastal zone, contributing to the protection of the coast against erosion, and for the quality of sea water, where mangroves function as filters.

In Mozambique, mangroves are one of the most abundant vegetation formations, covering about 300 thousand hectares, most prominently in the provinces of Nampula, Zambézia and Sofala.

The event has been organized by the Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries – MIMAIP in partnership with the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND, WWF Mozambique, USAID / SPEED +, Academics and members of local communities. In addition to the virtual exhibition, the organizers have prepared a Tele-school session and will also announce of the winners of the “Filmar para Sensibilizar” contest promoted by BIOFUND, in which young Mozambicans made short videos about the importance of the Oceans.