The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, IUCN, in Mozambique in coordination with the Blue Economy Development Fund, FP - ProAZUL, an entity of the Ministry of Internal Waters and Fisheries (MIMAIP), have launched a series of seminars titled ‘Coastal and Landscape Resilience - Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Resilience’ .

The series of seminars launched on 16th November 2020 are aimed at presenting and discussing lessons learned, best practices, tools and approaches in the thematic area of the Blue Economy, Coastal and Oceanic Communities Resilience, Sustainable Marine Landscape Management, Marine Waste Management, Circular Economy and Coastal Communities Financing.

Speaking during the opening session of the seminars cycle, Her Excellency Augusta Maita, Minister of the Sea, Inland Water and Fisheries, emphasized the importance of these discussions to the sustainable management of the Sea and the Blue Economy, which unequivocally contribute to the sustainable management and availability of fisheries resources.

“The range of topics we will be discussing in these seminars are important contributions to strengthening partnerships with MIMAIP and increasing our contribution to the projected results in the WFP. The sustainability of the sea, coastal zones, and coastal communities is crucial in accelerating adaptation to climate disasters and promoting income for our population living in coastal zones and dependent on the exploitation of natural resources or related industries,"  the Minister stressed.

Promoting partnerships for ‘Blue Actions’

The seminars which are taking place in cycles within various provinces in Mozambique are expected to promote partnerships and foster involvement around ‘Blue Actions’ and ultimately inform a participatory work plan that IUCN intends to develop to support the implementation of the ProAZUL roadmap and the National Strategies for Mangroves and Marine Waste.

"We believe that the partnership between IUCN and ProAzul, as well as the participation and intervention of other partners will ensure the Blue Economy agenda and the implementation of the recently approved Mangrove Management Strategy as well as other matters of conservation interest are sustainable," said Maurício Xerinda, IUCN country representative in Mozambique.

Miguel Langa, chairman of ProAZUL, said that he believes the series of seminars will result in concrete solutions for the benefit of the ecosystem and the marine communities and that a common plan would be developed to guide activities in the coming years, particularly for the implementation of the Mozambique Mangrove Management Strategy.

The launch of the seminars was attended by representatives from central, provincial and district government institutions, academia, civil society organisations, United Nations agencies, development partners, international organisations and research institutions at national and international level.

The discussions were held both in person and virtually.