The miombo forests are essential for environmental conservation, and recently Mozambique hosted an important meeting on the project “Effective Protection of Miombo Forests and Marine Conservation Areas of Mozambique.”
The project aims to improve the global response to climate change by promoting the protection and sustainable use of these forests.
It involves the Gilé National Park and some marine areas, with the goal of addressing urgent environmental challenges. Pejul Calenga, Director-General of the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), highlighted the need to conserve miombo forests to combat climate change.
He explained, "We live in challenging times, with climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss as real threats. The conservation and sustainable use of miombo forests help combat deforestation, desertification, and address climate change, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."
The project is funded with approximately 4.5 million dollars, provided by the GEF through the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund.
The initiative aims to implement the Maputo Declaration on sustainable management of miombo forests, starting with the Gilé National Park. This area will serve as a model to expand marine conservation in the country, aiming to achieve the 30x30 target, to which Mozambique is committed.
In addition to representatives from the Ministry of Land and Environment, ANAC, and the Inland Waters sector, the event included members of Conservation International, NGOs, and academics.
This joint effort seeks not only to protect Mozambique’s rich biodiversity but also to ensure a sustainable future for local communities.
(By Renaldo Manhice)
