France has provided $116,000 (about 7.3 million meticais) to support a platform aimed at improving access to water and promoting alternative livelihoods to fishing. The initiative will benefit approximately 14,800 people in Nampula Province, northern Mozambique, and seeks to enhance coastal communities’ capacity to adapt to environmental and economic changes.
According to a statement from the Associação de Desenvolvimento Popular (ADPP) Mozambique, one of the five organizations involved, “the ultimate goal is to help coastal communities adapt to life in a marine protected area.” The project is part of conservation efforts that aim to reconcile environmental protection with local economic development.
The program, called “Blue Future”, also aims to strengthen the resilience of coastal ecosystems, which are vital for fishing communities’ survival. “Interventions cover critical ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, directly benefiting about 14,800 people by promoting sustainable fishing and diversifying income sources,” the statement adds. Blue Future is implemented by a consortium including Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), the Environment Association, UEM’s Department of Biological Sciences, the Blue Economy Development Fund (ProAzul), ADPP, and the Biodiversity Conservation Foundation led by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
Artisanal fishing remains the main form of fish production in Mozambique, involving around 400,000 people and more than 42,000 vessels in inland and maritime waters, according to the 2022 census. This activity is crucial for coastal family livelihoods but faces growing challenges due to overexploitation and climate change.
In addition to French support, the German Development Cooperation and ProAzul, the public institution coordinating and promoting the blue economy in Mozambique, are mobilizing 450 million meticais (around $7 million) for sustainable blue economy development. This funding reinforces the international commitment to responsible marine resource use and environmental preservation.
“The partnership’s main goals include activating the Blue Economy Observatory and Council, strengthening financial mechanisms, and improving ProAzul’s communication and institutional capacity,” stated the Mozambique Blue Economy Fund. Cooperation between national and international partners represents an important step toward a more sustainable future for Mozambique’s coastal communities.
Source: Lusa
