It is with great sadness that the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) received the news of the tragic death of marine biologist and conservationist Lara Cristina Muaves, senior staff at the World Fund for Nature in Mozambique (WWF), on 14 October 2021, in Maputo.

In her lifetime, Lara made a remarkable contribution to marine conservation. BIOFUND had the pleasure to work with her in 2020 on the pre-launch of the Conservation Leadership Program for Mozambique (PLCM), in an online event with more than 400 young people – with Lara leading a webinar on “Leadership Opportunities and Challenges for Young People in the Conservation sector”.

In this webinar Lara shared her passion for biodiversity conservation, shared her life experience and inspired several young Mozambicans to choose this area as a professional career.

“To be a conservationist is to exceed your expectations every day, it is to be persevering and humble”. – said Lara Muaves.

BIOFUND extends its condolences to her family, friends and colleagues at WWF for this irreparable loss.