The governments of Mozambique and Brazil will cooperate in the implementation of an Agro-Forestry Centre in Mabalane (Cefloma II), aimed at promoting environmental conservation, scientific research and food security in Gaza Province, southern Mozambique.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Brazil’s ambassador to Mozambique, Ademar Seabra da Cruz, Mozambican Minister of Education and Culture Samaria Tovela, and Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) rector Manuel Guilherme.
According to information reviewed by Diário Económico, the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) will be part of the project, which forms part of a complementary bilateral agreement signed during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s visit to Mozambique in November 2025.
“The project will be coordinated by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; technical implementation will be carried out by UFPR through its Department of Forestry Sciences (Decif). On the Mozambican side, coordination will be led by the Ministry of Education and Culture in partnership with UEM,” the document states.
Among the main objectives of the project are the reduction of deforestation and forest degradation in Mabalane, as well as environmental restoration activities in the region.
“Another component of Cefloma II involves research on the Mopane caterpillar (Gonimbrasia belina), a traditional food and important source of protein for vulnerable communities. The studies include laboratory techniques for breeding the species and actions to support local food security,” it adds.
According to the publication, Professor Nilton José Sousa from Decif will serve as technical coordinator for research and training activities, while management coordination with ABC and the Brazilian Embassy in Mozambique will be led by Professor Dartagnan Baggio Emerenciano, a researcher involved in scientific projects in Mozambique since 1981.
The first phase of Cefloma II will last three years and includes the construction of an administrative headquarters, student and faculty housing, laboratories, and forest nurseries, as well as the acquisition of equipment for research and technical training.
The plan also includes forest restoration initiatives using fast-growing alternative species to reduce pressure on native vegetation in the region.
Beyond environmental and scientific actions, the cooperation represents a step forward in UFPR’s internationalisation and in academic relations between Brazil and Mozambique. Planned activities include knowledge exchange, field research, training, and collaboration between students and professors from both universities.
In the coming months, an official Brazilian mission will travel to Mozambique for the laying of the project’s foundation stone in Mabalane. The delegation will include UFPR rector Marcos Sunye, as well as Brazilian and Mozambican authorities.
Source: Diário Económico
