The Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the creation of synergies in support of activities to conserve biodiversity in Mozambique.

This Memorandum of Understanding envisages collaboration in the development of policies related with sustainable economic development and the conservation of biodiversity, the promotion of research oriented towards supporting the conservation of biodiversity, building the capacity of government staff, civil society and the private sector in practices of sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity, and applying the mitigation hierarchy in development projects.

The UEM and BIOFUND will also collaborate in promoting technical training and the transfer of knowledge and technologies in the Areas of Conservation of biodiversity, community development and other similar areas deemed necessary and strategic for the development of the National System of Conservation Areas in Mozambique and in the mobilisation of human and financial resources and awarding scholarships on merit to the best students under the Mozambican Programme for Leadership in Conservation (PLCM).

The present Memorandum of Understanding covers a period of five years and may be renewed automatically for the same period. Currently the two institutions are developing a Plan of Activities in order to define targets and priorities in the short and medium term, which will make greater results possible.