The National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) intends to train national technicians specialized in terrestrial and marine conservation by 2028, with the goal of strengthening the country’s human capacity for managing its natural resources. The initiative stems from an agreement signed this Tuesday (9) in Maputo between ANAC and three partner organizations: the Brazilian Nautilus, WIOMSA, and WIO-COMPAS, the latter two based in Southern Africa.
The program targets professionals already active in conservation areas, without requiring higher academic qualifications, with completion of the 10th grade as the minimum requirement. The main focus will be on strengthening the practical skills of technicians in both terrestrial and marine protected areas.
“The country has an urgent need for capacity building. This means equipping people with the skills to respond knowledgeably to current challenges in environmental management,” stated Pejul Calenga, ANAC’s Director-General, on the sidelines of the agreement signing ceremony. Training will be conducted primarily remotely, with practical activities taking place at the candidates’ workplaces. The first phase of the program is expected to include between 50 and 100 professionals, with gradual expansion over time.
“It is premature to set a total number at this stage. As experience is consolidated, it will be possible to expand the program’s reach,” added Calenga, emphasizing that the national conservation network currently includes more than two thousand rangers. The course will offer international certification and be delivered by both national and foreign tutors. It will include modules on enforcement, ecology, communication, financial management, marketing, and sustainable fisheries. Proficiency in English will be one of the selection criteria due to the technical and international nature of the training.
“The process will be competitive, and we want to prioritize young professionals who are already active in the sector,” explained the ANAC official. Applications are open until 15 December for technicians from across the country.
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) promotes marine research and coastal conservation. WIO-COMPAS is an international certification program for marine area managers, which held its first exam in Portuguese in April 2025 in Maputo. Nautilus, founded in Brazil in 2006, focuses on environmental conservation and applied technical training.
Through this program, ANAC aims to consolidate a robust and sustainable technical response to increasing conservation challenges, protecting the country’s natural capital and promoting the responsible use of terrestrial and marine resources.
Source: Diário Económico
