Gorongosa National Park (GNP) and the Foundation for Biodiversity Conservation (Biofund) have just signed a memorandum of understanding to promote internships for young people with master's degrees in Biology.

The initiative is part of the Mozambique Conservation Leadership Program (PLCM) and the BioEducation Program, implemented by the GNP with the objective of motivating and attracting qualified young people to the national system of conservation areas.

The agreement, which will last for two years, provides for cooperation between the two entities in the implementation of training and research plans in the protection zones.

This partnership is expected to ensure the highest number and quality of Masters level research on issues related to biodiversity conservation, through technical support and supervision of students by national and international tutors.

According to Carolina Hunguana, PLCM coordinator, quoted by "Notícias", the collaboration will allow the strengthening of the training capacity of future conservation leaders in Mozambique.

"The beneficiaries will have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills by participating in experience exchange seminars hosted annually by Gorongosa National Park in Sofala province."

PLCM is funded by the World Bank (MozBio2) and implemented by Biofund, in coordination with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), aiming to strengthen the capacities and skills of professionals in the protection zones.

The BioEducation Program, meanwhile, aims to improve education about science by creating learning opportunities for young people based on hands-on activities in PNG.