Launch of Environmental Trainer's Manual Marks International Biodiversity Day in Maputo

At the opening ceremony, the IUCN Country Representative in Mozambique, Domingos Gove, expressed his appreciation for the presence of all partners, sector staff and activists. During his speech, Gove praised the strategic partnership and underlined the impact that joint action has on the sustainability of local ecosystems.

"Protecting the wealth of the earth is our responsibility and we must do it together," said Domingos Gove. 

The Director General of ANAC, Pejul Calenga went on to share his words of inspiration relating to both the International Biodiversity Day, and the training session that was to follow, after which he formally declared the session open. 

The manual was presented via an online video, and an electronic copy shared with all participants. The concept of the manual is to provide a resource for trainers who work in the environment sector, to use and interpret as they wish. The session was therefore focussed on providing an awareness and overview of the existence and content of the manual, and then 

IUCN supports a growing number of physical knowledge hubs across the country, including one in Pemba, the Environmental Interpretation Centre based in Maputo, and the Training Centre in Maputo National Park. These hubs play an important role in environmental education and awareness, and tools such as the manual contribute to the resources available to the professionals who lead this area of work across the country.

These physical hubs are also supported by an online hub, and there was a soft launch of the online hub today. This hub hosts the training manual, and introductory video along with other resource materials. The hub is open for all to share and contribute, and the aspiration is that it will provide a platform for individuals and organsations to share resources and articles that relate to the environment in Mozambique. 

After the presentation and launch of the Manual, the event's agenda continued with group activities as part of the training of the trainers, that were focussed on the theme of this year’s international Biodiversity Day “act local for global impact”. These practical activities were specifically designed to ensure interaction between participants, the sharing of practical conservation experiences that can be built into lessons that can be delivered by those who go to use the manual in their work. 

In the closing remarks, special recognition was given to DDB — for designing the manual, website, and delivering the training — as well as to Irish Aid and other donors who supported the development of the training materials and the event. Appreciation was also extended to ANAC and all participants for their valuable contributions

With this initiative, IUCN, ANAC and partners hope to continue to support training and awareness raising   relating to the important environment and biodiversity conservationin Mozambique.