WCS Mozambique was invited by TVM - the Mozambican national TV channel - for an interview on the World Oceans Day. Naseeba J. Sidat, Marine Program Assistant and master's Candidate at the UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) was WCS's representative.
Naseeba pointed out the marine biodiversity richness of Mozambique, where > 100 sharks and rays have been identified to date, 5 sea turtle species, the only viable population of dugong in the Western Indian Ocean, besides relevant populations of several species of whale and dolphin.
Naseeba Sidat, WCS Marine Program Assistant during the interview on TVM
She also raised that Mozambique has benefited significantly from the Ocean for food security, transportation, tourism, among other services and one of the main opportunities is the renewable energy options to cope with the impacts caused by climate change.
When questioned about WCS work, Naseeba highlighted that the main areas of collaboration agreed between the Government of Mozambique and WCS are: i. Expansion of the national network of MPAs, ii. Support sustainable small-scale fisheries, iii. Coral reefs, Marine mammals, Sharks and rays conservation and protection. Said Naseeba "Since 2018, WCS has supported policy, research, capacity building, and awareness raising for advancing shark and ray conservation in the Western Indian Ocean".
Currently, Naseeba is developing her MSc capstone project to Support Fishing Communities to Safeguard their Livelihoods and Shark and Ray populations in Zalala Beach - the landing of the country site with the highest shark catch records according to the data collected by WCS and the Government.
Said Naseeba: "On this significant date, I appeal to everyone, besides the conservationists, to join efforts and address the opportunities and challenges faced by our Blue Planet. Everyone needs to be part of it - economists, sociologists, communication scientists, teachers, etc. in an integrated and multidisciplinary approach.