In a continuing effort to strengthen relationships with project communities and promote marine conservation, the Blue Future implementation team and WCS East Africa regional social safeguard coordinator, conducted a significant outreach event in Munhohola community, in Nampula Province, North of Mozambique.
With an unwavering commitment to transparency and including local voices, the team organized a special meeting in Munhohola on September 11. The primary focus of the event was to introduce the GRM to the community, allowing residents to raise concerns, provide suggestions, and report issues related to Blue future activities.
During the meeting, WCS team explained in detail how the GRM operates, emphasizing that its implementation aims to protect both the marine environment and the well-being of local communities. Participants also had the opportunity to ask questions and clarify doubts about the process.
"We believe that collaboration is key to the success of Social safeguards and Blue future as well. We want the community to feel empowered to be an active part of this effort," said Simon Mwangi (WCS East Africa regional social safeguard coordinator). "This mechanism is a way for us to listen and respond to community concerns effectively and fairly."
The GRM, which is fully operational now, will further strengthen the partnership between the Blue future team and the local community/Stakeholders. The team plans to conduct additional training sessions to ensure that everyone fully understands how to use the mechanism.
The WCS team hopes that the GRM will be a valuable tool for maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with the Munhohola community, contributing to the project's success and the long-term protection of marine ecosystems.