WCS signed today (8th June), in Maputo, a memorandum of understanding with the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries Ministry (MIMAIP) following the extended public audition on the preparation of the maritime spatial plan (POEM), which coincides with World Oceans Day, celebrated today.
The agreement was signed by the WCS Mozambique Country Director, Afonso Madope, and the Permanent Secretary of MIMAIP, Xavier Munjovo, and its main objective is to establish the mechanisms of collaboration between the parties in terms of planning and implementation of activities in the field of sea, inland waters and fisheries.
This memorandum applies to inter institutional cooperation in support of conservation, protection and sustainable management of biodiversity.
By 2025, together with the Government of Mozambique and conservation partners, WCS aims to contribute to the protection and management of climate resilient marine environments and critical biodiversity areas, such as coral reefs, shark and ray habitats and breeding and migration sites of coastal marine mammals in the national waters.
WCS will support and work with the Government to implement actions to ensure the viability and sustainable management of populations of these species and ecosystems while contributing to ensuring that local communities have continued access to the natural resources and ecosystem services on which they depend for their survival.
WCS and the National Fisheries Research Institute are currently developing a map of marine ecosystems for the country and scenarios for the expansion of the National Protected Areas Network, which should allow the Government to select options for achieving national marine conservation targets.
