The National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) is facing a $135 million deficit needed to ensure activities in wildlife conservation areas, and has called for the involvement of all stakeholders to secure the required investment.
Speaking in Maputo during the institution’s 15th anniversary gala, ANAC Director-General Pejul Calenga said that in recent years it has been possible to stabilize animal populations in Mozambique, strengthening biodiversity, although he acknowledged that more still needs to be done.
“We look to the future with some confidence and expect, in the near future, based on our projections, to reduce the financing deficit as much as possible,” said Calenga, pointing, among other strategic tools, to debt-for-nature swaps, which involve converting contributions from partners or friendly countries into biodiversity investment.
Quoted by Lusa, Pejul Calenga said ANAC hopes to leverage its economic and financial potential to create better conditions, ensuring basic and specific infrastructure for wildlife development.
The Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, Roberto Albino, highlighted ANAC’s role in conserving national territory, particularly in monitoring wildlife and reducing poaching, and urged the private sector to invest in conservation to ensure development.
“The future requires a new generation of long-term partnerships. It is urgent to move from isolated projects to sustainable institutional strengthening. Therefore, we call on the private sector to seriously invest in the wildlife economy,” he said.
In February, the National Administration of Conservation Areas received international recognition as an “example of excellence” in biodiversity conservation, protection of endangered species, and promotion of sustainable environmental management models, with strong involvement of local communities.
The distinction was announced during the 2026 edition of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), held in Madrid, Spain, placing Mozambique in the global spotlight for nature conservation.
According to the event organizers, the recognition resulted from a series of actions carried out by ANAC over recent years, particularly the preservation of ecosystems, anti-poaching efforts, the recovery of wildlife populations, and the integration of local communities as strategic partners in managing conservation areas.
Mozambique has vast natural heritage, including parks and reserves of major strategic importance, such as Limpopo National Park, Gorongosa National Park, Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, Quirimbas National Park, and the Niassa National Reserve, all considered essential for the protection of critical habitats and biodiversity.
