Millennium bim has formalized its membership in the Maputo National Park (PNAM) Friends Club by signing a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday (29th) in Maputo. The two-year agreement is part of the bank’s social responsibility program, Mais Moçambique pra Mim, and aims to reinforce environmental conservation, support local communities, and promote sustainable tourism in the area.
As part of this commitment, the bank will fund the rehabilitation of the water supply system in communities neighboring the park, also benefiting the resident wildlife. Moisés Jorge, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Millennium bim, opened his speech by stating, “Without water, life is not possible. That’s why investing in this area is a concrete contribution, with real results, and reflects the kind of purposeful intervention we want to continue pursuing.” The project will directly benefit over two thousand people, especially in six villages within the park’s protection zone.
Established in 1932, PNAM is one of Mozambique’s most biodiverse areas, where terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems coexist. Recently, the park was recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Miguel Gonçalves, the park’s administrator, emphasized, “It is both a privilege and a tremendous responsibility to have received this recognition,” highlighting the importance of the partnership with Millennium bim in preserving the ecosystem. The PNAM Friends Club, commonly known as Mungano—meaning “friend” in Xichangana, one of the Bantu languages spoken in southern Mozambique—aims to unite the efforts of various entities to promote conservation and local community development. “Strategic partnerships like this are essential to preserve this natural treasure,” said Miguel Gonçalves. The club was established in 2022 with the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), through the Próspero Azul program, funded by the European Union and German cooperation.
Founded in 1995, Millennium bim is one of Mozambique’s leading financial institutions and celebrates 30 years of operation in the country this year. Throughout its history, the bank has demonstrated a strong commitment to economic and social development. The bank’s Chairman stressed, “It’s been three decades of growth, commitment to the country, and, above all, responsibility towards people, development, and the environment.” The support for PNAM reinforces this commitment through a project that includes the installation of six multifunctional water systems. The National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), represented by Albino Mahumane, also emphasized the crucial role of society in environmental preservation. “Conservation is everyone’s responsibility,” he stated, acknowledging the importance of the partnership with Millennium bim in ensuring PNAM’s sustainability and improving the quality of life of local communities.
The official event marking the partnership between the two institutions was attended by various strategic partners, including representatives from the Peace Parks Foundation, GIZ, and the European Union. Millennium bim’s joining of Mungano is seen as a key step in building a more sustainable future. “This partnership is not just an institutional milestone, but a firm step toward building a fairer, greener, and more sustainable future for all,” concluded the bank’s Chairman.
Text: Florença Nhabinde
