The Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve needs around 33 million US dollars to implement the actions set out in its Management and Business Plan for the period 2023 to 2032.

Conservation, business and communication are the three components that make up the plan, a strategic tool for coordinating and guiding conservation and local development actions, capitalizing on opportunities based on the wildlife economy and social and cultural aspects.

The information was made public this Monday, July 15, in Maputo, by the Minister of Land and Environment, during the Fund Mobilization Meeting with cooperation partners and other relevant players in the conservation sector.

According to Ivete Maibaze, the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve has incalculable value for the social and economic development of local communities, which is why it must be managed in a sustainable way that not only preserves the biodiversity that exists in the area, but also allows ecotourism activities to be practiced.

"We live in challenging times, in which the pressure on natural resources and ecosystems is becoming ever greater. Climate change, environmental degradation and the loss of biodiversity are real threats that require rapid and effective responses."

In this context, she believes that the engagement of all stakeholders is crucial to strengthening interventions in the conservation of natural heritage, with a view to achieving the objectives set.

"We also want to stress the importance of developing partnerships that go beyond funding. We need alliances that promote the exchange of experiences and knowledge, technologies and best practices, which will help us face today's complex challenges with innovative and effective solutions," she said.

Some of the partners who attended the event, namely the Italian Cooperation Agency for Development, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, UNDP, UNESCO, USAID, UEM, UN-Habitat, made a commitment to collaborate technically or financially in the implementation of the Management and Business Plan of the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve, in order to ensure that local communities are the legitimate beneficiaries of conservation efforts. (press release)