A new ‘Biodiversity Wall’ was inaugurated by the Minister of Land and Environment, Ivete Maibaze, in Maputo City on 1st April. The President of the Maputo Municipal Council, Eneas Comiche also took part in the ceremony along with several national and international personalities.
In her speech, the Minister explained that the mural – which features paintings of Mozambican flora and fauna - aims to raise awareness of the nation’s biodiversity and the importance of protecting it. It also highlights the value of conservation areas in generating income through tourism and educates viewers on some of the threats facing the natural environment.
The project is an initiative of the company Reciclagem e Serviços, which sourced funding support from organisations including WCS. This contribution is reflected in the depiction of a wild dog (mabeco) – the symbol of Niassa Special Reserve (NSR), Mozambique’s largest conservation area. Being located at the exit of Maputo International Airport, the mural will serve as a giant postcard for those travelling by air.
NSR was represented at the event by WCS Mozambique Country Director, Afonso Madope, and the NSR Tourism Manager, Nilton Cuna.