The Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP) and the non-governmental organisation Save the Children (SCIMOZ) launched the ‘LINK Project’ on Friday morning (28) in Maputo. The new initiative aims to strengthen climate resilience and social protection in Mozambique, with a budget of 28 million dollars (1.8 billion meticals), of which 5 million dollars (316 million meticals) will be funded by the Mozambican government.
According to a publication by the Agência de Informação de Moçambique (AIM), the LINK Project will be implemented in nine districts in the provinces of Manica, Tete and Gaza, with the aim of directly benefiting more than 415,000 people. The initiative aims to reduce the growing climate and social vulnerability affecting the country’s poorest communities.
MAAP’s permanent secretary, Emília Fumo, explained that the government, in partnership with other entities, is analysing the 138 existing Local Adaptation Plans (PLAs). The aim is to identify how to implement these plans, the costs involved and the priority areas to guarantee the well-being of populations in areas affected by climate change. Concrete actions will be implemented in areas such as beekeeping, livestock and agriculture, among others, to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
For her part, SCIMOZ’s national director, Ilaria Manunza, emphasised that the LINK Project has a special significance for all the parties involved. According to her, the initiative represents a direct investment in the future of thousands of children, young people and women who face the severe impacts of climate change on a daily basis.
‘LINK is designed to strengthen communities, build resilience and, above all, protect those who are most vulnerable,’ said Manunza, adding that collaboration between governments, international organisations, local partners and communities can generate a real and lasting impact from the project.
LINK is expected to grow over the course of its implementation, with the support of new partners, with the aim of creating a solid basis for adapting to climate change and promoting sustainable development in the most affected areas.
