WCS Mozambique https://mozambique.wcs.org RSS feeds for WCS Mozambique 60 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22175/COMBO-Program-promotes-a-visit-to-exchange-experiences-on-good-practices-in-implementing-the-Mitigation-Hierarchy.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=22175 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22175&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 COMBO+ Program promotes a visit to exchange experiences on good practices in implementing the Mitigation Hierarchy https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22175/COMBO-Program-promotes-a-visit-to-exchange-experiences-on-good-practices-in-implementing-the-Mitigation-Hierarchy.aspx The partners of the COMBO+ program, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the National Directorate for the Environment (DINAB), in partnership with the company KENMARE Resources plc, promoted a visit to exchange experiences involving government entities and civil society, with the aim of providing technicians from all the institutions involved with the opportunity to analyze and discuss practical aspects on the ground, in a dynamic way, of implementing the best practices for applying the Mitigation Hierarchy with the aim of achieving No Net Loss (NPL) or Net Gain (GL) of Biodiversity, contributing to national and global conservation targets. The experience exchange mission took place in KENMARE Resources plc's operation areas, including the mining and processing plants, its nurseries for producing seedlings, its rehabilitation and restoration areas, the resettlement village, as well as projects implemented together with the communities to reduce their impact on the ecosystems, located on the northern coast of Mozambique, in the districts of Larde and Moma (Nampula Province). The visit lasted four days (from February 26 to 29, 2024) and involved around 33 participants. Participants receiving technical information related to restoration process   KENMARE Resources plc, which has operated the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine since 2007, is a mining company that is recognized as a major supplier of heavy sands products to a global customer base operating in more than 15 countries. KENMARE Resources plc's products are essential raw materials that are transformed into intermediate products and ultimately consumed in everyday "quality of life" products such as paints, surgical instruments, plastics, and ceramic tiles. Hugo Costa, WCS Mozambique Marine Program Manager (left) and Eleutério Duarte, WCS Mozambique Project Assistant (right)   This experience exchange visit is an integral part of the multisectoral training and capacity building activities led by the COMBO+ Program since 2016, which will continue to be promoted throughout the country with the primary objective of promoting communication and discussion of biodiversity impact mitigation between economic development project proponents and the government, strengthening the technical capacity of government entities on the evaluation, monitoring and oversight of the implementation of the mitigation hierarchy and sharing knowledge with all parties involved. Francisco Cabo Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22175 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22110/Historical-EcosystemsVegetation-Map-of-Mozambique-updated-in-the-MRV-Geoportal-Webpage.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=22110 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22110&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Historical Ecosystems/Vegetation Map of Mozambique updated in the MRV Geoportal Webpage https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22110/Historical-EcosystemsVegetation-Map-of-Mozambique-updated-in-the-MRV-Geoportal-Webpage.aspx The national Historical Ecosystems/Vegetation Map was recently updated on the Geospatial Platform of the FNDS MRV Unit. The map was developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), with the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team. From 2019 to 2023, UMRV was part of a team of environmental and conservation experts having played an important role in mapping Mozambique’s ecosystems with an unprecedented level of detail. The result of this effort is a historical map that identifies 162 vegetation units on a scale of 1:250,000. In addition, the first national assessment of the Red List of Ecosystems was conducted, following the methodology of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The present map of vegetation/ historical ecosystems is available in the geoportal of the MRV Unit and on the SIBMOZ website thus offering access to the public for a wealth of information on Mozambican biodiversity, as a valuable tool for the conservation and sustainable management of the country’s natural resources. For more details, visit the UMRV Page from this link: https://www.fnds.gov.mz/mrv/   Francisco Cabo Mon, 11 Mar 2024 07:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22110 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22091/Blue-Future-Project-Establishes-and-Empowers-Chicoma-Community-Savings-and-Credit-Association-to-Promote-Local-Financial-Education.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=22091 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22091&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Blue Future Project Establishes and Empowers Chicoma Community Savings and Credit Association to Promote Local Financial Education https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22091/Blue-Future-Project-Establishes-and-Empowers-Chicoma-Community-Savings-and-Credit-Association-to-Promote-Local-Financial-Education.aspx On March 1st, 2024, the Chicoma Community Savings and Credit Association took a significant step towards the economic and financial empowerment of the community. Under the Blue Future project, and with the guidance and moderation of AMA and ADPP technicians, the association participated in a comprehensive training session at the Matibane Administrative Post. During the training, the 27 participants, including 15 women and 7 men, were guided through the fundamental principles of establishing a savings association, as well as effective saving and lending techniques. Topics covered included group rules and statutes, strategies for saving and borrowing responsibly, and proper use of individual passbooks. "By empowering our local savings and credit association, we are investing in the financial future of our community," said one of the participants. "We look forward to implementing what we learned today and seeing tangible benefits for our families and neighbors." The training session reflects the commitment of the Blue Future project to promoting livelihood alternatives in communities through financial education and local economic development. With a total of 27 participating members, the association is poised to become a catalyst for positive changes in financial management and access to credit for local residents. Ten more communities will benefit from similar training sessions Francisco Cabo Tue, 05 Mar 2024 14:25:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22091 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22089/Niassa-Special-Reserve-celebrates-World-Wildlife-Day.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=22089 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22089&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Niassa Special Reserve celebrates World Wildlife Day https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22089/Niassa-Special-Reserve-celebrates-World-Wildlife-Day.aspx The Niassa Special Reserve celebrated World Wildlife Day by holding a lecture for students at the Mecula Secondary School on 16 June (Mecula District Headquarters) where the main topic was the date’s motto for 2024 (Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation) having presented to this effect the importance of biodiversity and its threats arising from human action and having discussed with the young people the need to ensure people’s connectivity in digital innovation for wildlife conservation. Students, members of government entities of the District of Mecula and NSR technicians who participated in the lecture This lecture was remarkable because it also served to show young students the technological tools used for the preservation of biodiversity in the largest conservation area of Mozambique, namely the Ororatech software (for monitoring and control of fires); SMART (for collection, storage, analysis of biodiversity data as well as illegal activities and patrol/surveillance routes); EarthRanger (for integration and visualization of historical and real-time data available in the area, movement of animals with collars, patrols,  burned, among other spatial data); the VHF Motorola radio system (for radio communication);  Data tracking and collection devices such as GPS, collars and smartphones and even the laptops/PCs/Screens themselves for data visualization and analysis. Paulino Bernardo, NSR Senior Wildlife Officer, during his interaction with students, explaining the importance of digital tools for wildlife conservation On the occasion was also made a small exhibition of some initiatives of the Science Club where was presented a recreation of a drone capable of taking flight with remote control, built the base of recycled material and a prototype of an alarm system the invasion by animals in an area, also made based on recycled material. This activity was developed in partnership with partners of the District Government of Mecula and USAID Mozambique, and was attended by 80 young people, who study between the 7th and 12th grades.   In addition to this work that WCS and its partners have been developing at the level of the Niassa Special Reserve, it is also worth highlighting the developments in the use of digital tools that the Marine Program has been using to make its contribution to the protection of marine species in Mozambique. WCS has introduced an innovative methodology called BRUV (remote underwater video search with bait) that allows non-invasive research with underwater cameras that use bait to attract and register marine animals. This is a methodology widely used around the world to assess the status of coastal populations of sharks and rays, estimate their abundance, identify present species, important areas and habitats, and identify "hotspots" of abundance. WCS research using BRUVs on the Mozambican coast To date, more than 1300 km of Mozambican coast has been researched using BRUVs, which allows to have detailed information on the diversity and relative abundance of coastal species of sharks and rays in certain areas of the coast. In 2021, the Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique and WCS undertook an expedition with the discovery of a species of shark (Pseudoginglymostoma brevicaudatum) in Inhambane Province (Bennett, et al., 2021) which allowed the extension of the geography of the species to be included in Mozambique. Mozambique was specifically identified as one of the few global hotspots for the richness of shark and ray species (132 species confirmed to date) and a particularly important area for its conservation. Mozambican waters represent important areas globally in terms of evolutionary distinction and irreplaceability of species but are characterized by a high number of threatened species (about 49%) and a high proportion of species classified as deficient in the IUCN red list of endangered species. There are also a significant number of fisheries in this region, including artisanal fishing in coastal areas and industrial fishing further from the coast, which have impacts on shark and ray populations. Francisco Cabo Mon, 04 Mar 2024 11:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22089 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22079/Samantha-Strindberg-in-Mozambique-to-provide-a-statistics-training-to-the-local-team.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=22079 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22079&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Samantha Strindberg in Mozambique to provide a statistics training to the local team https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22079/Samantha-Strindberg-in-Mozambique-to-provide-a-statistics-training-to-the-local-team.aspx The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mozambique and Samantha Strindberg from the Conservation Technologies team organized a comprehensive training on “Quantitative Ecology for Conservation Research and Management” from February 19 to 23. The event, hosted at WCS's office in Maputo, saw the active participation of 22 individuals representing various organizations. The primary objective of the training was to equip participants with the skills to design effective ecological surveys, analyze resulting data, estimate animal population density and size, investigate spatial distributions, and identify ecological or human influence drivers. A special emphasis was placed on enhancing participants' proficiency in data visualization and statistical tests Samantha's facilitation of the training was widely praised for its didactic and patient approach. Participants expressed enthusiasm about applying the newly acquired knowledge and techniques in their future endeavors. The WCS team hopes that this training is just the beginning of a series of workshops that the Conservation Technologies team will offer in the future. This training program is a positive step towards WCS's overarching mission of conserving the world's wildlife and wild places. Through such educational programs, WCS aims to empower conservationists, providing them with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively safeguard Mozambique’s rich biodiversity. Francisco Cabo Fri, 01 Mar 2024 07:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22079 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22044/National-validation-workshop-to-improve-Shark-and-Ray-Management-and-Conservation-in-Mozambique.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=22044 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22044&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 National validation workshop to improve Shark and Ray Management and Conservation in Mozambique https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22044/National-validation-workshop-to-improve-Shark-and-Ray-Management-and-Conservation-in-Mozambique.aspx Mozambique has a very important shark and ray area with more than 120 confirmed species, almost half of which are threatened with extinction (Critically Endangered - CR, Endangered - EN, and Vulnerable - VU) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Species (IUCN, 2020). Due to the increasing pressure on populations of these marine resources in Mozambique, it is crucial to adopt a national action plan to conserve sharks and rays. ADNAP and its conservation partners, including WWF, WCS, and TRAFFIC, have been working on a National Management and Conservation Action Plan for sharks and rays since 2018. They have also been developing the NDF Tool since 2021. ADNAP, with the support of WCS, organized a workshop in Maputo City on February 7 and 8 2024. The workshop aimed to validate the NDF Tool and the National Action Plan for the Management and Conservation of Sharks and Rays. The event was attended by 38 representatives, including provincial delegations of ADNAP, Mozambique Oceanographic Institute (InOM), National Fish Inspection Institute (INIP), Customs, Coastal, Lacustrine and Fluvial Police (PCLF), and the Community Fisheries Councils from Zambezia, Sofala, Gaza and Maputo province. The workshop ensured all relevant actors' involvement, inclusive, and transparent participation in the process. Group photo at the workshop to validate the NDF Tool and National Action Plan for the Management and Conservation of Sharks and Rays On 9 February, a small group made up of representatives from ADNAP, InOM, ANAC, and WCS met on Macaneta Beach to harmonize the NPOA document to incorporate the contributions gathered at the workshop and thus move towards the final draft of the document for later submission to and approval by the Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries (MIMAIP). Francisco Cabo Mon, 19 Feb 2024 14:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22044 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22043/WCS-participates-in-workshop-on-sharing-knowledge-and-expertise-on-Baited-Remote-Underwater-Video-Systems-BRUVs.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=22043 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22043&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 WCS participates in workshop on sharing knowledge and expertise on Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVs) https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22043/WCS-participates-in-workshop-on-sharing-knowledge-and-expertise-on-Baited-Remote-Underwater-Video-Systems-BRUVs.aspx The WCS staff members, including Rhett Bennett and Dave van Beuningen, from the Western Indian Ocean shark and ray conservation program and Naseeba Sidat and Jorge Sitoe from the Mozambican Program, participated in a workshop on BRUVS (Baited Remote Underwater Video) in Grahamstown from 9 to 11 January. The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) hosted the event and brought together experts from various organizations to share knowledge and skills on this data collection methodology. Participants from Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa participated in this event, where they received training on the various aspects of BRUV research, including strengthening social impact and contributing to BRUV research on a local, regional, and global scale. WCS Mozambique, in partnership with the Mozambique Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique (InOM), has been conducting shark and ray research using BRUVs since 2018, both inside and outside of marine conservation areas, having already conducted surveys in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Inhambane, Gaza, and Maputo. Credit picture: South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity Francisco Cabo Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22043 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22015/WCS-Joins-Mozambican-President-Filipe-Nyusi-to-Advance-Conservation-Efforts.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=22015 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22015&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 WCS Joins Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi to Advance Conservation Efforts https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/22015/WCS-Joins-Mozambican-President-Filipe-Nyusi-to-Advance-Conservation-Efforts.aspx The Wildlife Conservation Society was honored to be invited to participate in a high-level event today hosted by His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the President of the Republic of Mozambique, at Maputo National Park. The WCS team, which included John Calvelli, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs; Emma Stokes, Vice President of Global Field Conservation; Luthando Dziba, WCS Regional Director East Africa; and Afonso Madope, WCS Mozambique Country Director, had the opportunity to discuss the robust collaboration between WCS and the Government of Mozambique, most recently in the Miombo Forest Initiative in partnership with the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) and Rainforest Trust. The Miombo Forest Initiative, launched in 2022, aims to strengthen the conservation and management of Miombo woodlands across Southern Africa —an extensive ecosystem spanning approximately 1.9 million km2 across seven countries. In the past 15 years, Miombo forests have faced significant declines from 2.7 million km2 to 1.9 million km2 due to unsustainable management and usage. The Initiative aims to ensure that miombo woodlands continue to contribute to local and global climate change efforts and biodiversity conservation, as well as to the local and national economies and sustainable development of the Miombo countries and beyond. This includes conserving critical areas within the Miombo Woodlands, such as Niassa Special Reserve. Said John Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, who was a part of the WCS delegation meeting with by His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi: “WCS is honored to be a partner of the Miombo Forest Initiative with Mozambique, ICCF and the Rainforest Trust. This initiative will help ensure that Miombo, which is important to the livelihoods of local communities and to wildlife, is conserved and restored long into the future.” Said Stokes: "Niassa Special Reserve is one of the world’s most important ecosystems—profoundly significant for its biodiversity and cultural value. Niassa is a unique Reserve where thousands of people depend on it being managed and conserved because it supports their livelihoods—from the food it produces to the jobs it creates. It is our privilege to work with the Government of Mozambique to help conserve this profoundly important Nature’s Stronghold, a vision they established over 60 years ago.” Spanning 43,000 km2, representing 31% of Mozambique's protected areas, Niassa is the largest protected area in Mozambique. More than 60,000 local community members who live in and adjacent to Niassa depend on its miombo woodland resources for their livelihoods. These woodlands provide essential ecosystem services, including watershed protection, climate regulation, and daily access to timber, fuelwood, charcoal, and honey-gathering opportunities. In 2020, WCS signed a 20-year co-management agreement in partnership with the Administração Nacional das Áreas de Conservação (ANAC) to support the conservation of this globally important ecosystem.  The Miombo Forest Initiative is supported by partners which include WCS, the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF Group), and Rainforest Trust. Francisco Cabo Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22015 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21946/WCS-conducts-a-training-workshop-on-Ecosystem-based-Adaptation-and-ecosystem-services.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21946 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21946&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 WCS conducts a training workshop on Ecosystem-based Adaptation and ecosystem services https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21946/WCS-conducts-a-training-workshop-on-Ecosystem-based-Adaptation-and-ecosystem-services.aspx WCS Mozambique carried out a training on Ecosystem-based Adaptation and ecosystem services between 23 and 25 January 2024 in Nacala, in collaboration with Lutea Magaia, an EbA specialist consultant under the Futuro Azul Project, through co-funding from Bloomberg Philanthropries. The training aimed to increase the knowledge, experience and capacity of the project team, government, and other relevant partner entities, to effectively integrate Eba approaches on activity planning, implementation and decision-making processes. The workshop was attended by 30 participants, including the representative of the Provincial Environmental Services (SPA), fisheries technicians of the District Economic Activities Services (SDAE), leaders of the instructors and instructors of the Livelihoods Clubs from Aid for Development from People to People (ADPP), and representatives of the Environmental Association (AMA) and the National Rural Extension Association (AENA), as well as enumerators from Terra Firma and Polytechnic Institute Mártir Cipriano. It is expected that with this training participants will have a solid understanding of the principles and importance of EbA in climate resilience, and increasing recognition of the potential of ecosystems and ecosystem services in addressing climate change challenges. It has become clear in this activity that healthy ecosystems can protect vulnerable communities from the negative impacts of climate change and at the same time provide a variety of crucial benefits for human well-being. Francisco Cabo Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21946 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21935/WCS-in-the-7th-Southern-African-Shark-and-Ray-Symposium.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21935 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21935&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 WCS in the 7th Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21935/WCS-in-the-7th-Southern-African-Shark-and-Ray-Symposium.aspx The biennial Southern African Shark & Ray Symposium was held in Durban, South Africa, from the 24th to 27th October and brought together around 140 participants from 8 countries. WCS was represented by three WCS staff members, including two from the Western Indian Ocean shark and ray conservation program and one from the WCS Mozambique Program, who contributed to the symposium with four oral presentations: Realities of shark and ray conservation in the Western Indian Ocean: challenges and lessons learned, presented by Rhett Bennett. Crossing continental divides, spatiotemporal habitat use of Myliobatis aquila in South Africa and Portugal, a comparative analysis, presented by Rhett Bennett. Elasmobranchs in the Western Indian Ocean: insights from baited remote underwater video surveys, presented by Dave van Beuningen. Engaging fishing communities in co-designing sustainable management solutions for elasmobranch populations in Zalala Beach, Mozambique, by Naseeba Sidat – winner of the 2nd place for the best presentation and Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) Travel Grant Winner Award 2023.   WCS shark and ray team for Mozambique and the WIO region: Dave van Beuningen, Naseeba Sidat and Rhett Bennett   The event provided the team with insights into various themes related to sharks and rays and a workshop on the Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP) to discuss future activities for collaborative acoustic telemetry studies to assess marine animal movements. The event also facilitated the team's interaction with partners and entities that WCS is already working with, under the WIO shark and ray program, and face-to-face meetings that will now boost the collaboration of the WCS Mozambique team with those entities, including the South African Institute for Aquatic Biology (SAIAB); Department of Genetics at Stellenbosch University (SU); Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) of South Africa; TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa; Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), South Africa; Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF); and Rhodes University. Francisco Cabo Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21935 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21569/WCS-together-with-DINAB-and-DNDT-attended-a-regional-workshop-in-South-Africa-to-discuss-approaches-for-classification-and-mapping-of-ecosystem-types.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21569 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21569&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 WCS together with DINAB and DNDT attended a regional workshop in South Africa to discuss approaches for classification and mapping of ecosystem types https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21569/WCS-together-with-DINAB-and-DNDT-attended-a-regional-workshop-in-South-Africa-to-discuss-approaches-for-classification-and-mapping-of-ecosystem-types.aspx The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) organized a four-day’ workshop to discuss the classification and mapping of ecosystem types. The workshop was held in Pretoria, South Africa, from November 20th to 23rd, 2023, under the initiative "Building Biodiversity Knowledge for Action in Southern Africa: Spatial Biodiversity Assessment, Prioritization, and Planning (SBAPP) in South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia," funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Fonds Français pour L'environnement Mondial (FFEM). The event was attended by 26 participants, representing governments, universities, research institutes, and agencies that are implementing the SBAPP project.The workshop's aim was to discuss how relevant it is to map the historical extent of ecosystem types and how this information would be useful to inform decision-making in southern Africa. WCS Mozambique and DINAB (National Directorate for the Environment) from the Ministry of Land and Environment in Mozambique shared the country’s experience on classifying and mapping the historical extent of ecosystem types. In addition, the Mozambican delegate had the opportunity to explain how they deal with cross-border ecosystem types to ensure a coherent classification in the region. Mozambique benefited from the experience of other countries, particularly in how freshwater systems have been integrated into maps of ecosystems. The country is looking forward to applying the lessons learned, focusing on revising the Red List of ecosystem types, assessing ecological condition, and developing spatial prioritization analysis for biodiversity conservation.  Click here for more information on ecosystems in Mozambique    Click here for more information on the SBAPP project    Francisco Cabo Tue, 05 Dec 2023 02:15:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21569 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21526/Blue-Future-Project-conducts-training-in-bolstering-understanding-and-integration-of-gender-perspectives.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21526 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21526&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Blue Future Project conducts training in bolstering understanding and integration of gender perspectives https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21526/Blue-Future-Project-conducts-training-in-bolstering-understanding-and-integration-of-gender-perspectives.aspx On November 28th and 29th, the city of Nacala hosted a pivotal training session under the scope of the Future Blue Project, funded by the Blue Action Fund. The event brought together a cohort of specialists, including 14 technicians from ADPP and 2 from WCS, all engaged in discussions guided by a contracted consultant.  The training had a central focus on bolstering understanding and integration of gender perspectives within the project initiatives. One of the primary goals was to empower participants in crafting and refining strategies aimed at integrating gender aspects throughout various phases of the Future Blue Project.  Throughout the two days, technicians engaged in constructive and hands-on dialogues, delving into methods to enhance the project's gender action plan. This encompassed detailed analyses, case studies, and intensive discussions to identify strengths and areas for improvement in the project's gender approach.  The consultant, bringing extensive expertise to the table, led participants through interactive exercises, providing invaluable guidance for a more effective integration of gender considerations across the project's lifecycle. The anticipation is that this training will yield more comprehensive and gender-sensitive strategies, fostering a more inclusive and equitable approach across all planned activities.  This training marks a significant stride in pursuing a more effective implementation of the Future Blue Project, aiming not only to enhance gender integration but also to cultivate a deeper awareness of the importance of gender equality in conservation and development actions supported by the WCS Mozambique. Francisco Cabo Fri, 01 Dec 2023 09:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21526 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21466/Mozambique-Equipped-with-a-Rapid-Genetic-Sequencer-to-Identify-CITES-Shark-and-Ray-Species.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21466 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21466&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Mozambique Equipped with a Rapid Genetic Sequencer to Identify CITES Shark and Ray Species https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21466/Mozambique-Equipped-with-a-Rapid-Genetic-Sequencer-to-Identify-CITES-Shark-and-Ray-Species.aspx In the last 20 years, 143 shark and ray species have been listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), comprising 90% of all internationally traded shark and ray species. Since 2021, the Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique (InOM) and the National Fisheries Administration, IP (ADNAP, IP), with support from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), have been working on 1) improving knowledge about CITES in Mozambique and 2) increasing capacity regarding the identification of CITES-listed shark and ray species susceptible to international trade and export. CITES shark and ray species identification workshop with shark expert, Dr Rima Jabado (@Jorge Sitoe/WCS)   Despite the country's efforts to accurately report the export of shark and ray derivatives, there is a need for efficient and cost-effective methodologies to effectively identify shark and ray products being traded internationally. Considering this, a portable rapid genetic sequencer tool for identifying sharks and rays has been provided to Mozambique. The rapid genetic sequencer, known as the Magnetic Induction Cycler (MIC), uses PCR tests which have been developed specifically to identify shark and ray species. This tool will enable the Mozambican authorities to confirm the presence of suspected CITES-listed shark and ray species in shipments destined for export, thus helping to curtail the illegal trade of such products through improved enforcement of CITES trade regulations. A workshop held at the National History Museum (MHN) in Maputo during the week of November 13th provided training and awareness regarding the use of the MIC. The event comprised 22 participants from 11 institutions, with training sessions led by Ms Valerie Hagan from Mote Marine Laboratory in Florida, USA, the entity that developed the rapid PCR tests used in the MIC. Family photo with participants of the workshop (@Suzana Mucavele/MHN) Ten staff members from CITES fisheries inspection, research, and conservation entities, including the Biotechnology Center at the University of Eduardo Mondlane (CB-UEM), National Fish Inspection Institute (INIP), InOM, MHN, and WCS, participated in two training sessions. These sessions involved hands-on installation, trialling, and operationalization of the rapid genetic sequencer, enabling the staff to use it correctly and effectively, thus helping to improve the country's capacity to validate species identification, as part of efforts towards enforcing international trade controls. Training session with five staff members of the InOM, INIP, MHN, CB-UEM and WCS (@Naseeba Sidat/WCS)   This awareness and training form part of a broader project titled Equipping Southwest Indian Ocean countries to combat illegal shark trade, which is funded by the UK government under their Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund.   Francisco Cabo Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:48:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21466 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21465/Government-of-Mozambique-officially-launches-National-Strategy-for-Coral-Reefs-co-developed-with-WCS-Mozambique.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21465 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21465&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Government of Mozambique officially launches National Strategy for Coral Reefs co-developed with WCS-Mozambique https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21465/Government-of-Mozambique-officially-launches-National-Strategy-for-Coral-Reefs-co-developed-with-WCS-Mozambique.aspx On this 21st of November 2023, during the celebrations of the World Fisheries Day, Her Excellency the Minister of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries officially launched the National Strategy for the Management and Conservation of Coral Reefs. Excerts of the officially launch of the National Strategy for the Management and Conservation of Coral Reefs   This legal instrument was co-developed between 2020 and 2022 with the technical and financial support of WCS-Mozambique through grants from various donors, such as The Tiffany & Co Foundation, the Blue Action Fund, Ocean’s 5, the Bloomberg Philanthropies and the MPA Fund. This instrument, specific to the management of coral reefs, is the first of its kind for the country and is a game-changer. The strategy will bring a completely new perspective and will guide the conservation of coral reefs in Mozambique for the next 10 years. Francisco Cabo Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21465 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21464/Improved-boating-and-scientific-diving-safety-protocols-for-Western-Indian-Ocean-WCS-Marine-Program-Teams.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21464 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21464&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Improved boating and scientific diving safety protocols for Western Indian Ocean WCS Marine Program Teams https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21464/Improved-boating-and-scientific-diving-safety-protocols-for-Western-Indian-Ocean-WCS-Marine-Program-Teams.aspx Last week, Jennifer O’Leary (WCS WIO Region Marine Director) and Erwan Sola (Lead Coral Reef Scientist, WCS-Mozambique), visited the WCS-Madagascar Marine Program Team in Nosy Be for a Boating and Diving Safety evaluation and training. Combining our experience and expertise in the region with the local knowledge of the country Team, we reviewed available safety equipment and drafted safe procedures for boating and scientific diving, including checklists and emergency plans. The protocol developed will be shared with all WCS staff in the WIO Region, where remoteness and lack of access to emergency and specialized medical services add an extra layer of risk to these inherently dangerous ocean-based activities.   Madagascar boating and diving safety training   The workshop included a review of the of experience of the Madagascar Team, of the safety equipment available, discussions to identify gaps and find ways of filling them. The elaboration of safe boating and diving plans and Emergency Action Plans was covered too. Further in the week the Marine team was tested for their swimming and diving abilities during a visit to the stunning coral reefs of the Island. Finally, we used the results of this work to prepare and upcoming underwater ecological survey in Ankarea and Akivonjy (Nosy Be). We are thrilled about this experience and the opportunity to contribute to establishing high standards and best practices, ensuring that our Marine teams conduct outstanding research and conservation in the safest manner. A heartfelt thanks to the Mada team for their warm welcome, hard work, and engagement in these essential processes. Hoza tokana tsy mba ala! ( Malagasy proverb which means: a single tree does not make a forest, that is there is strength in numbers). Francisco Cabo Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:57:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21464 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21452/COMBO-hosts-its-Mid-term-Evaluation-Meeting-in-Mozambique.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21452 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21452&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 COMBO+ hosts its Mid-term Evaluation Meeting in Mozambique https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21452/COMBO-hosts-its-Mid-term-Evaluation-Meeting-in-Mozambique.aspx The mid-term evaluation meeting of the COMBO+ programme ("Conservation, Mitigation and Biodiversity Offsets") was held in Macaneta, Mozambique, from 7 to 11 November, ending with a field trip to Maputo National Park. The event was hosted by Mozambique's Ministry of Land and Environment, with almost 60 participants representing the programme's technical teams and host governments (namely Guinea Conakry, Uganda, Mozambique, Madagascar, Myanmar and Laos), a delegation from China's Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), our donors, the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Fund for the Global Environment (FFEM), three conservation trust funds, the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), the Foundation for the Protected Areas and Biodiversity of Madagascar (FAPBM), and Tany Meva, as well as other relevant partners in the programme's implementation. COMBO+ is an initiative that has been running since 2016 and which supports the governments of the aforementioned countries in reconciling economic development with biodiversity conservation, through the appropriate implementation of the mitigation hierarchy, with the focus on achieving no net loss or a net gain of biodiversity, while simultaneously contributing to the achievement of the respective national targets. Two years after the start of the second phase of COMBO+, the mid-term evaluation meeting was held with the aim of taking stock of the progress made to date, sharing experiences and knowledge about its implementation, including the lessons learned by each of the member countries, identifying problems, discussing solutions and planning the activities that are needed until the end of the programme. Overall, the event was a great success and showed that despite the challenges faced by the implementing countries (e.g. political instability in some countries), fundamental steps have been taken in terms of improving the policy and legal framework, building the necessary tools and technical capacity to support proper implementation of the mitigation hierarchy and establishing case studies from which to draw lessons learnt.  The COMBO+ Programme is funded by AFD and FFEM, with co-financing from other donors, and is led by WCS in partnership with Biotope, Guineé Ecologie, BIOFUND and the University of Queensland. In Mozambique, it is being implemented by WCS, BIOFUND and the National Directorate for the Environment (DINAB). The mid-term evaluation meeting of the COMBO+ programme ("Conservation, Mitigation and Biodiversity Offsets") was held in Macaneta, Mozambique, from 7 to 11 November, ending with a field trip to Maputo National Park. The event was hosted by Mozambique's Ministry of Land and Environment, with almost 60 participants representing the programme's technical teams and host governments (namely Guinea Conakry, Uganda, Mozambique, Madagascar, Myanmar and Laos), a delegation from China's Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), our donors, the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Fund for the Global Environment (FFEM), three conservation trust funds, the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), the Foundation for the Protected Areas and Biodiversity of Madagascar (FAPBM), and Tany Meva, as well as other relevant partners in the programme's implementation. COMBO+ is an initiative that has been running since 2016 and which supports the governments of the aforementioned countries in reconciling economic development with biodiversity conservation, through the appropriate implementation of the mitigation hierarchy, with the focus on achieving no net loss or a net gain of biodiversity, while simultaneously contributing to the achievement of the respective national targets. Two years after the start of the second phase of COMBO+, the mid-term evaluation meeting was held with the aim of taking stock of the progress made to date, sharing experiences and knowledge about its implementation, including the lessons learned by each of the member countries, identifying problems, discussing solutions and planning the activities that are needed until the end of the programme. Overall, the event was a great success and showed that despite the challenges faced by the implementing countries (e.g. political instability in some countries), fundamental steps have been taken in terms of improving the policy and legal framework, building the necessary tools and technical capacity to support proper implementation of the mitigation hierarchy and establishing case studies from which to draw lessons learnt.  The COMBO+ Programme is funded by AFD and FFEM, with co-financing from other donors, and is led by WCS in partnership with Biotope, Guineé Ecologie, BIOFUND and the University of Queensland. In Mozambique, it is being implemented by WCS, BIOFUND and the National Directorate for the Environment (DINAB). Francisco Cabo Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21452 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21447/Niassa-Special-Reserve-brings-2-pangolins-back-to-the-wild.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21447 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21447&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Niassa Special Reserve brings 2 pangolins back to the wild https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21447/Niassa-Special-Reserve-brings-2-pangolins-back-to-the-wild.aspx The Niassa Special Reserve recently brought back to the wild two pangolins found by communities in the Marrupa and Mavago Districts. In Marrupa, this occurred in October, when a 4-year-old boy named Luis César, who lives in the Mualawamaka neighbourhood in the Marrupa district, saw a pangolin while playing with his friends and immediately told his parents. The parents, in turn, told the community leaders, who immediately tried to round up and protect the animal. José Sitoe, Head of Law Enforcement of Niassa Special Reserve, with the pangolin rescued in Marrupa District   The information was then passed on to the Marrupa District Services Economic Activities Offices (SDAE), as well as to the administrative and Police authorities and the NSR scouts who were in the district to resolve wildlife conflict problems. The NSR and SDAE -Marrupa inspection teams carried out an expert examination to confirm the animal and took it back to Mbatamila (NSR’s headquarters). The animal was brought back to the wild in Mbatamila on 2 October 2023 after being examined and found to be in good health. In Mavago, the pangolin was seen in the agricultural fields by some members of the community, who immediately reported the incident to Chief (Régulo) Mataka, and the news was passed on to the NSR Administration and to SDAE-Mavago and PRM (The Police of the Republic of Mozambique). The animal was rounded up and then the community leaders went on to perform traditional interpretive ceremonies relating to the pangolin’s visit as per local customs. After this ritual, the pangolin was returned to the wild by the NSR team after being examined and given all the necessary care for its well-being. According to the local leaders, when a pangolin appears there is a ritual to be followed, which involves placing objects on the mat where each object or item has its own meaning: Weapons [wars], Water [rains], Leaves [drought], Flour [hunger], Medicines [diseases or pandemics], Hoe [agricultural production], among others. Community leaders during the traditional ceremony of exaltation to the appearance of pangolin   The leaders ask the animal the meaning of its visit and when the animal stands up towards the object placed there, the reason for the animal’s visit is deciphered and it is then taken back to nature. The pangolin is considered a sacred animal by the local communities, and it is regarded as an animal sent by God to bring a message to the community. Worth noting that the pangolin is a protected species and according to wildlife trafficking monitoring is one of the most trafficked mammals in the world. The Niassa Special Reserve would like to thank the local communities for their commitment and engagement in nature conservation activities, as witnessed by these two events that took place simultaneously in different districts. It is hoped that these events will serve as an example in all 8 districts that are part of the NSR, as well as throughout the country, the region, the continent and the world in general.       Francisco Cabo Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21447 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21328/National-experts-assess-the-conservation-status-of-coastal-plant-species.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21328 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21328&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 National experts assess the conservation status of coastal plant species https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21328/National-experts-assess-the-conservation-status-of-coastal-plant-species.aspx The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in partnership with the Ministry of Land and Environment (MTA), represented by the National Directorate for the Environment (DINAB), as part of the Mainstreaming Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), Piloting Blue Carbon, and Strengthening Coral Reef Fisheries in Mozambique project funded by SPEED+, has been supporting assessment of the conservation status of 30 coastal plant species since October 5, 2023, by applying the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The assessment involves the participation of 10 national plant specialists, including academics, members of the Southern African Plant Specialist Group and members of the National Coordination Group (NCG) for the KBAs and the IUCN Red List. The assessment is carried out in a participatory manner where all available information about the species is filled in on the IUCN Species Information Service (SIS), which is the central database used by the IUCN to store and manage species records and assessments for publication on the IUCN Red List. This is the second time that WCS and DINAB work closely to promote assessment of endemic and near-endemic species through applying the IUCN Red List criteria and categories to determine the conservation status of the species. Please find more information about Red Lists of species and ecosystem in Mozambique here Francisco Cabo Wed, 01 Nov 2023 08:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21328 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21299/WCS-and-local-government-authorities-meet-to-harmonise-procedures.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21299 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21299&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 WCS and local government authorities meet to harmonise procedures https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21299/WCS-and-local-government-authorities-meet-to-harmonise-procedures.aspx WCS and the National Fisheries Administration (ADNAP, IP), Nampula Delegation, under the Future Blue Project, held a meeting in Nacala with the aim of having the Community Fisheries Councils (CCPs) more involved in their own revitalization processes, as well as in the creation of Community-Managed Fishing Areas (APGCs). It also aimed to provide an opportunity for cooperation partners and government institutions to coordinate actions to increase their impact on coastal communities. The meeting was attended by 21 people representing government entities at the district level (SDAEs), Community Fisheries Councils (CCPs) and partners of Civil Society Organizations. The main objective of this activity was to create greater familiarity with the legal procedures for the establishment and management of APGCs, defined by the Ministerial Diploma that deals with the procedures of the process of designing and managing Community-managed Fishing areas. It also intended to inform stakeholders so that these have a general understanding of how local initiatives align with this legal instrument. Finally, it intended to agree on the proposal to create new CCPs in the Future Blue project area and that a coordination mechanism is agreed between the existing CCPs (current and those to be created), the APGCs and all actors involved. This activity took place under the auspices of the Blue Future Project, which is coordinated by WCS in Nampula Province (more specifically in the coastal area of the districts of Memba and Mossuril), and financed by the Blue Action Fund (BAF), Oceans 5, MACP and Bloomberg among other matching donors. Francisco Cabo Wed, 25 Oct 2023 12:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21299 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21231/Niassa-Special-Reserve-conducts-rabies-vaccination-and-sterilization-on-domestic-dogs.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21231 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21231&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Niassa Special Reserve conducts rabies vaccination and sterilization on domestic dogs https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21231/Niassa-Special-Reserve-conducts-rabies-vaccination-and-sterilization-on-domestic-dogs.aspx Between 28 September and 6 October, the vaccination campaign of dogs against rabies and sterilization of dogs was carried out in the districts of Mecula and Mavago, which included domestic dogs and cats. A total of 165 dogs of the 315 registered by the Guardians Teams (MOMS) of 155 owners were vaccinated, corresponding to 53% of the canine population within the Niassa Special Reserve (NSR). For this year the theme of the campaign was 'rabies: all for 1, one health for all'. This activity had as main objectives the control of the canine population in the human settlements of NSR, the promotion of awareness of the population of NSR on the negative impacts of rabies and other zoonotic diseases, as well as rabies control to safeguard public health and ensure that diseases are not spread between domestic and wild animals and vice versa. This initiative is intended to maintain the level of vaccination and sterilization coverage in all NSR human settlements, and to eliminate the incidence of disease incidents involving domestic dogs in the NSR and to have the registration and complete treatment of all domestic dogs belonging to local communities. It is worth noting that the program began, with raising domestic animals through the guardians of wildlife, in all communities of the Niassa Special Reserve, and subsequently followed the awareness for each dog owner (door to door)promotion of lectures in schools with teachers and students, lectures with community leaders, and reproduction of communication material on local radios, culminating in vaccination and sterilization. This activity was organised by WCS together with its partners, namely Niassa Carnivore Project (Mariri Investments), Mozambique Wildlife Alliance, Luwire Conservancy and the Mecula and Mavago District Governments, through their respective District Economic Activities Services,  supported by USAID, European Union and UNDP. Francisco Cabo Fri, 13 Oct 2023 02:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21231 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21166/Environmental-Impact-Assessment-Authority-establishes-Technical-Scientific-Unit-to-Support-Biodiversity-Offsets.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21166 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21166&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Environmental Impact Assessment Authority establishes Technical-Scientific Unit to Support Biodiversity Offsets https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21166/Environmental-Impact-Assessment-Authority-establishes-Technical-Scientific-Unit-to-Support-Biodiversity-Offsets.aspx The National Directorate for the Environment (DINAB) and its partners in the COMBO+ Program, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), held the first meeting to establish the Technical-Scientific Unit to Support Biodiversity Offsets, in Maputo City, attended by 19 participants from different sectors. The Ministerial Order 55/2022 of 19 May, which regulates the matter of Biodiversity Offsets, calls for the creation of this Technical-Scientific Support Unit for Biodiversity Offsets, with the aim of supporting the Environmental Impact Assessment Authority in making strategic and integrated decisions regarding the design, approval, implementation, evaluation and monitoring of Biodiversity Offset Management Plans. Some of the key aspects are the alignment of the offsets with the national targets, the areas receiving the offsets and the technical tools for their implementation. The purpose of this kick-off meeting was to discuss the Terms of Reference of the Technical-Scientific Unit, namely its final composition and how it will operate, as well as to update members on the process of implementing the Biodiversity Offset Directive.   Francisco Cabo Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21166 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21141/WCS-Mozambique-brings-together-different-actors-to-discuss-possible-solutions-to-reduce-bycatch-of-marine-species.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21141 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21141&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 WCS Mozambique brings together different actors to discuss possible solutions to reduce bycatch of marine species https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21141/WCS-Mozambique-brings-together-different-actors-to-discuss-possible-solutions-to-reduce-bycatch-of-marine-species.aspx Mozambique's coastal waters are home of at least 132 species of sharks and rays, 29 marine mammals and five sea turtles, of which more than 60 or 61% are threatened with extinction in the near future. Bycatch in small-scale fisheries has been identified as a high priority threat to 90% of the threatened marine wildlife species that occur in Mozambique and small-scale fishermen are responsible for around 85% of the country's total marine fish catch.  To help reduce or eliminate this scenario, WCS took the initiative to develop a pilot project in which local fishers would be involved through training in the use of UV lamps to reduce bycatch. With support from the Mozambican Sharks and Rays project and the Blue Future Project teams, WCS Mozambique, with the support of its expert Brian Smith and WCS’s WIO Marine Program Director Jennifer O’Leary, held three workshops in September 2023 : one in Maputo City and another Nacala-Porto, involving different institutional entities related to small-scale artisanal fisheries, and in Matibane, Mossuril District, Nampula Province, involving fishers and representatives of the local CCP, on global, regional and national perspectives for reducing marine wildlife bycatch in Mozambique. A total of 51people and 23 institutions were involved in these training workshops. These workshops discussed possible solutions for reducing bycatch of marine species in Mozambique, including strengthening knowledge about bycatch of marine species, as well as identified higher priority species and promising opportunities for reducing bycatch of marine species in Mozambique.  Some solutions to reduce marine wildlife bycatch were highlighted among the many others raised, such as the importance of involving different actors, including tourist bodies and fish buyers, i) to discourage bycatches, especially of protected species; ii) the dissemination of legislation through posters should be strengthened and the penalties for catching protected species should be reviewed; iii) the promotion of alternative livelihood activities for fishermen can help reduce fishing pressure and considerably reduce bycatches; and iv) the training of law enforcement agents (Fisheries Law; REPMAR, etc.) should be strengthened to increase their mastery and monitor its proper application.    Francisco Cabo Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:09:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21141 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21102/Blue-Future-project-team-Introduces-Grievance-Redress-Mechanism-GRM-in-Munhohola-Community.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21102 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21102&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Blue Future project team Introduces Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) in Munhohola Community https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21102/Blue-Future-project-team-Introduces-Grievance-Redress-Mechanism-GRM-in-Munhohola-Community.aspx 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.   Francisco Cabo Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21102 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21070/Mozambique-government-and-partners-met-to-select-the-priority-components-of-coastal-and-marine-biodiversity-in-the-northern-Mozambique-Channel.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=21070 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21070&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Mozambique government and partners met to select the priority components of coastal and marine biodiversity in the northern Mozambique Channel https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/21070/Mozambique-government-and-partners-met-to-select-the-priority-components-of-coastal-and-marine-biodiversity-in-the-northern-Mozambique-Channel.aspx The National Directorate for the Environment (DINAB), in partnership with the COMBO+ Programme [led by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in coordination with the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND)], as part of the initiative for Integrated Management of Marine and Coastal Resources in the North of the Mozambique Channel (NoCaMo), and Fauna & Flora (FF), held a seminar on 12 September 2023 in the city of Maputo. The seminar focused on the selection of priority components of the coastal and marine biodiversity of the Northern Mozambique Channel with the participation of 41 technicians from different sectors including government, academia, local NGOs and the private sector. These priority components will be considered for the development of best practice guidelines for their protection of biodiversity within the Northern Mozambique Channel, in relation to oil and gas development. The Northern Mozambique Channel is one of the richest regions in the world in terms of biodiversity. The condition of these critical ecosystems are in decline due to several combined factors, including the extractive industry (including the natural gas and oil recently discovered in the region). In this context, the NoCaMo initiative, funded by the French Environment Fund (FFEM), aims to ensure that the high biodiversity of the Northern Mozambique Channel (e.g. coral reefs, seagrass, mangrove ecosystems) is preserved. In the case of Mozambique, the NoCaMo initiative is considered an extension of the COMBO+ Programme, to promote good mitigation practices in the marine environment and runs until the end of 2025. Fauna & Flora (FF) is collaborating with WCS on the development of technical guidelines for biodiversity features. Selection of the features will be based off of scientific review and local consultation with marine experts. This exercise will be extremely useful for the preparation and review of environmental impact assessments and in maritime spatial planning, especially for activities related to oil and gas initiatives in Mozambique's North Channel. The second phase of the project will involve capacity building for local authorities, to ensure effective implementation can be achieved as oil & gas development continues to grow in the region. It is important to note that this seminar is part of a series of seminars being held in each of the NoCaMo countries to inform a final decision on which priority elements will be used to develop mitigation guidelines at regional level. Francisco Cabo Tue, 19 Sep 2023 06:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21070 https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/20897/Local-entities-and-fishing-communities-of-Zalala-beach-better-informed-about-REPMAR.aspx#Comments 0 https://mozambique.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=11830&ModuleID=24989&ArticleID=20897 https://mozambique.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=20897&PortalID=159&TabID=11830 Local entities and fishing communities of Zalala beach better informed about REPMAR https://mozambique.wcs.org/About-Us/News/ID/20897/Local-entities-and-fishing-communities-of-Zalala-beach-better-informed-about-REPMAR.aspx Following the activities that the WCS marine team is developing in Zalala Beach, in partnership with the fishing sector authorities (InOM - Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique and ADNAP - National Fisheries Administration), the fishing community of Zalala Beach and the Lacustrine and Fluvial Coastal Police organised, on 09 August, a meeting to raise awareness and disseminate the Regulation of Maritime Fisheries (REPMAR) regarding the protected and prohibited species under the same document. The meeting was attended by more than 30 participants, including women who carry out various activities related to fishing. At this meeting, posters of protected species and the Regulation of Sea Fishing were distributed to the Community Fishing Councils of Zalala Beach and the Coastal, Lacustrine and River Police. Francisco Cabo Fri, 11 Aug 2023 15:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:20897