Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM) and the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) have renewed their partnership agreement to support the Quirimbas National Park (PNQ) for a further three years (2025-2027).
According to a statement from MRM, in addition to renewing the agreement, the company will increase its annual contribution from 50 thousand dollars (around 3.1 million meticals) to 70 million dollars (4.4 million meticals).
This additional contribution will improve the implementation and execution of activities related to biodiversity conservation and the well-being of the communities living in the PNQ buffer zone, located in Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique.
The aim of the agreement is to revitalise and create environmental clubs in the schools of the Namanhumbir Administrative Post, with a curriculum to be provided by PNQ. This agreement will help support PNQ’s livelihood initiatives in the communities, raise awareness of the benefits of coexistence between people and wildlife and support the fight against poaching.
From 2018 to 2024, MRM provided funding of 22.3 million meticals (350,000 dollars) to support the PNQ and finance projects that help neighbouring communities. Among the projects supported are community agriculture initiatives, such as planting trees in partnership with school environmental clubs, as well as providing drinking water. The funding allocated to support the park’s logistics includes paying salaries, equipment for the rangers and other day-to-day needs.
The PNQ extends over a total area of 7500 km², covering 11 of the 28 islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago. It includes a vast forest area and coral reefs, and is home to numerous mammals and diverse fauna. The PNQ was declared a conservation area and World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) in 2018.
