More than 300,000 dollars, equivalent to 18.9 million meticais, have been made available by the Swedish government to strengthen the management of protected areas, improve the quality of life of local communities and increase climate resilience in Mozambique..

According to a NewsThis support aims to promote the sustainable management of natural resources and technological innovation in conservation, and will last until April 2027.

In this context, the Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (BIOFUND) and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) visited the Lugenda Wildlife Reserve (Luwire), located in block L7 of the Niassa Special Reserve, to assess the progress and impact of the funding.

During the visit, the two sides highlighted advances such as the implementation of real-time monitoring technologies, including SMART (a spatial monitoring and reporting tool).

These tools facilitate data collection and operational management, allowing for more effective protection of species and habitats through aerial wildlife counts and field inspections.

It was also revealed that the project is not just limited to environmental conservation, but also prioritizes institutional and technical strengthening, guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of conservation actions.

There has also been notable progress in eco-tourism and income generation initiatives, with communities taking an active role in the conservation of local biodiversity.

The expansion of communication technologies, such as radios and monitoring systems, has also strengthened inspection operations, which are essential in the fight against species trafficking and deforestation.

The representatives of the Swedish government reaffirmed their commitment to biodiversity conservation in Niassa province, stressing the importance of the resilience of conservation areas in the face of climate change.

On the occasion, Biofund assured that it will continue to lead conservation and sustainable development efforts, promoting an integrated approach that directly involves local communities in the preservation of the country's natural resources.

This new funding promises to be a decisive step in the protection of biodiversity in Mozambique, paving the way for a future in which communities, protected areas and the climate are interconnected in a network of resilience and prosperity.

(Photo DR)