On June 4 and 9, 2026, a series of initiatives led by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), under the Women Ocean Guardians (WoGi) initiative, highlighted the vital role of women in marine conservation and sustainable coastal community development in Mozambique.
On June 4, in Fernão Veloso, Nacala-Porto District, a mural honoring coastal women was officially inaugurated. The symbolic ceremony recognized the contributions of women to marine ecosystem conservation and community resilience.
Led by WCS in partnership with Artifusion, with support from the Nacala-Porto District Government, Tintas CIN, and Napala Beach Resort, the mural stands as a symbol of visibility, identity, and pride. It reflects not only women’s work but also their deep connection to the ocean and their traditional and practical knowledge of coastal ecosystems—reaffirming their role as leaders and active guardians of the oceans.
On the same day, in Napila community (Memba District), WCS held a workshop targeting women actively engaged in marine conservation. Participants included community leaders, Fisheries Co-management Committee (CCP) members, mangrove nursery caretakers, seagrass protectors, community enumerators, and female divers.
The workshop provided a platform for experience-sharing, capacity building, and dialogue around challenges and opportunities for women in the marine sector. It also contributed to strengthening the Women Ocean Guardians network in Mozambique.
Continuing these efforts, on June 9, a national workshop was held in Maputo, bringing together professionals, leaders, and organizations working in marine conservation and sustainable development. Participants included RARE, IUCN, AMA, WIOMSA, FAO, Biofund, Fundação Micaia, Natural History Museum (MHN), Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), Pedagogical University (UP), ProAzul, ECOP, ARSCM, AOMO, and Girl Move.
The event aimed to strengthen and celebrate the role of women contributing to ocean conservation and coastal community well-being. Opening remarks were delivered by Celina Lupaka, who emphasized the importance of creating spaces for dialogue, learning, and advancing women's leadership in the marine sector.
Sessions were facilitated by Pamela Castillo, Director of the Marine 30x30 Program and founder of WoGi, who presented the global initiative and led reflections on the transformative power of women leaders in Mozambique.
A key highlight was the “Knowledge Café: Charting a Course for Women Leadership in Mozambique,” where participants discussed resilience, decision-making participation, and collaboration networks. The discussions reinforced the need to expand opportunities, invest in training, and strengthen support systems to enhance women’s leadership in marine conservation.
These initiatives mark important progress in building the Women Ocean Guardians network in Mozambique and reinforcing the commitment to promoting women’s leadership and impact in ocean conservation and sustainable coastal development.