Progress report for
Supporting biodiversity in Mozambique with a contribution of EUR 13 million
Achievement at a glance
The following achievements demonstrate progress in governance, resource management, community engagement, and operational capacity within APAIPS:Strengthened Governance and Coordination:
- Monthly coordination committee meetings have been implemented, enhancing strategic alignment and learning among stakeholders.
Infrastructure Development:
- The inauguration of the APAIPS administrative office (30 May 2024), which now serves as the operational hub, marks a significant step in enhancing management
capacity.
Support for Natural Resource Management:
- Establishment and formalisation of 12 Natural Resource Management Committees (CGRNs) and the Association of Management-Oriented Monitoring System Agents
(ASMOG).
- Distribution of uniforms and essential work equipment to 28 CGRNs, promoting motivation and efficiency in their conservation roles.
Community and Environmental Awareness Initiatives:
- Revitalisation of environmental clubs in local schools, with awareness campaigns engaging over 60 students, emphasizing environmental conservation.
Capacity Building and Staffing:
- Recruitment of key personnel, including operations, administration, and biodiversity management officers, to bolster operational capacity.
- Launch of equipment procurement processes, including vehicles and a patrol boat, to enhance mobility and enforcement in the region.
Long-term Management and Funding Efforts:
- Development of terms of reference for identifying a co-manager for APAIPS (PPP with ANAC).
- Progress in identifying sustainable funding mechanisms, such as biodiversity offset projects.
In 2018, the European Union approved the financing of up to EUR 13M for the PROMOVE https://www.biofund.org.mz/en/projects/promove-biodiversidade/
The objective of this programme is to protect biodiversity and improve livelihoods in three conservation target areas: Mount Mabu, the Gilé National Reserve (currently Gile National Park), and the Ilhas Primeiras e Segundas Environmental Protection Area – APAIPS. These areas were selected for their biodiversity importance but also for their high/ population density where natural resources are suffering from high pressure from local communities. The targeted ecosystems are namely coastal and marine, lowland, Miombo forest and Afromontane forest.
The programme consists of 4 components:
- Strengthening governance frameworks related to natural resource management.
- Implementing biodiversity conservation strategies.
- Improving community livelihoods within and around these protected areas.
- Promoting applied research and participatory studies on natural resource management
As a response to COVID pandemic, EUR 850.000 were redirected to support BIOFUND Covid emergency to maintain minimum law enforcement activities and secure payment 50% of conservation areas staff’s salaries.
Challenges faced in implementation
In APAIPS, the call for proposals to select the implementing partner suffered many delays (1st call unfruitful) and the consortium that was entrusted, after the 2ndcall, the implementation for the management and the livelihoods components dissolved in July 2022. The process had to be relaunched. The agreement between BIOFUND (National Biodiversity fund) and ANAC (national administration of conservation areas) was only reached in 2023 and contract between BIOFUND and WWF signed end of 2023.Beginning 2024, MoU between AENA and KULIMA were approved, and implementation has been incremental since then.
Next Steps
Bénédicte CaremierBeneficiaries
Community-Based Organizations: 31 operational community institutions, including Natural
Resource Management Committees (CGRNs) and Community Fishing Councils (CCPs), benefiting from capacity-building, training, and equipment.
Local Communities: members of 24 communities across four districts (Angoche, Larde, Moma, and Pebane) involved in conservation and natural resource management; 2730 households expected to benefit from sustainable livelihood interventions, with activities like conservation agriculture and fishing.
Environmental Clubs: Students and teachers in revitalised environmental clubs at schools, actively engaged in biodiversity and sustainability education.
Fishermen: Approximately 400 fishers involved in improved fishing practices and sustainable resource management.
Project Staff and Management Teams: Newly recruited staff, including administrative, biodiversity, and operational roles, strengthening the governance and operational capacity of APAIPS.
Six fishing communities in APAIPS benefit from livelihood improvements, with specific interventions for sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, 90 groups from 29 communities, comprising women and young farmers, are receiving support in conservation agriculture to promote sustainable resource use.