The management plans of the various conservation areas in the country do not include concrete actions to deal with the problem of conserving the rivers that flow through them, despite expressing concern about this aspect.

This was one of the main conclusions of the second debate on adaptation to climate change, held on Thursday, April 27, in Maputo by FUNDE - Fundação Universitária para o Desenvolvimento da Educação, on the theme "Climate Change and the Water Cycle: Flowing Rivers - Backbone of Conservation Areas".

The event aimed to raise the awareness of teachers and students on issues related to climate change and the management and use of natural resources in the world.

ontext of Mozambique.

During the debate, presentations were made on the characterization of water resources in the Chimanimani National Park and a pre-feasibility study for a payment system for environmental water services, by António Hoguane, a summary of the situation of rivers in conservation areas, by Chelsea Langa, and also the experience of river management in the context of the Niassa Reserve, shared by biologist Madyo Couto.

As part of the debate, we discussed the fact that the Limpopo National Park Management Plan expresses concern about the fact that the Elephant River, which used to flow all year round, is now completely dry at certain times.

With regard to the Maputo Reserve Management Plan, among other issues, the question of the management of the Maputo River not being within the remit of the enterprise was addressed, a factor that prevents this institution from intervening to mitigate the occurrence of problems arising from the capture of shrimp and fish, especially in the river delta.

Meanwhile, the participants in the debate praised the fact that this park has an interesting project, based on which pastures have been extended and watering troughs have been built for livestock, in order to motivate the population, who live within the space, to water their animals outside the park, despite the fact that this was not outlined in their activity plan.

Speaking at the opening session of the event, Narciso Matos, a member of FUNDE's Board of Directors and rector of the Polytechnic University, said that talking about water inspires all kinds of feelings, from drinking water, water that causes floods, to water that is lacking for agriculture: "We all think we know something about water, so the topic couldn't be better for us to continue holding these kinds of debates," he said.

This, he explained, is the second major event FUNDE has organized on climate change.

The first was organized in December 2022, as part of the cycle that FUNDE intends to develop throughout this year, culminating next year with an international conference on climate issues, with a focus on the water cycle.

"It's an ongoing program, which will bring to light debates on burning issues that concern society's daily life, and which are part of a project that FUNDE is developing with a view to creating a Biodiversity Centre," he concluded.