The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity, BIOFUND, has adopted several measures that allow it to operate fully, by implementing forms of distance working, and a rotating shift regime for its staff, in addition to holding virtual meetings.

BIOFUND is continuing to guarantee support for the operational costs of 15 Conservation Areas in 9 of the country’s provinces, and the budgets of the beneficiaries are being adjusted so as to ensure the measures of health protection necessary in each Conservation Area.

In August, some of the professional internships in Maputo city were extended for a further six months, under the Conservation Leadership in Mozambique Programme (PLCM). Also under this programme, we should mention the beginning, in September, of the professional internships in the Conservation Areas, previously suspended because of the pandemic situation.

A special stress should be laid on the creation of the BIO-Emergency Fund, launched on 15 June, with the duration of six months, as a way of minimising the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Conservation Areas of Mozambique. This fund consists in supporting the payment of the wages of rangers who depend on income from tourism. So far it has covered more than 190 rangers in 10 privately managed Conservation Areas.

The organisation believes that, with these measures, the impacts of Covid-19 will be minimised and the various biodiversity stakeholders in the Conservation Areas can continue to play their role in protecting Mother Nature.