The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) has launched the sixth edition of the Pre-Professional Internship Program under the Leadership Program for Conservation in Mozambique (PLCM), welcoming a group of 20 women. These interns are now prepared to work in various institutions dedicated to conservation across the country. The induction event was attended by Mohamed Harun, representative of the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), Alexandre Fumo, from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), and the BIOFUND team.
During the inaugural session, the Executive Director of BIOFUND emphasized the importance of the internship as a crucial step in training future leaders in conservation. He highlighted the need for an integrated and comprehensive approach, encouraging the participants to remain open to the different aspects of the sector.
The interventions from the representatives of ANAC, BIOFUND, and ADRA focused on the role of each institution in preserving biodiversity. Key aspects of the PLCM project were also discussed, including environmental and social safeguards, with special attention to gender issues and gender-based violence, which were presented by BIOFUND’s gender officer.
One of the most inspiring moments of the session was the sharing of experiences by former interns, who spoke about their journeys and how some of them secured jobs at the institutions where they completed their internships. These testimonials provided valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges of the program, motivating the new participants.
With this new edition, the PLCM reinforces its position as a leading program in the training of young professionals, preparing them to face the challenges of biodiversity conservation in Mozambique, and reaffirming BIOFUND’s commitment to a sustainable future for the country.
(By Renaldo Manhice)
