Biodiversity has become a central pillar of sustainable development. Governments, civil society organisations and academic institutions have been dedicating knowledge and resources to its preservation and promotion. Increasingly, however, the private sector is also stepping in — investing in environmental initiatives and seeking to balance project development with the need to maintain ecological equilibrium.
In Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique — a region with a vast coastline and major gas projects either underway or on the horizon — biodiversity has emerged as a strategic issue both nationally and globally.
Within this context, the biodiversity programmes implemented under the Mozambique LNG project, operated by TotalEnergies, have gained visibility. Although the project has been under force majeure since 2021, various field initiatives continue to unfold, aiming to align future gas operations with the protection of local ecosystems, in partnership with communities and regional institutions.
In a recent interview, Martha Silva, Environmental Manager at TotalEnergies, highlighted that environmental preservation has been a strategic pillar from the start. “We are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Cabo Delgado is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem, and it was essential that we contribute actively to its conservation and regeneration,” she stated.
Mangrove Restoration in Palma: Over 11 Million Seedlings Planted
One of the most emblematic initiatives is the mangrove restoration programme in Palma district, conducted in partnership with Eden Reforestation Association. Since its launch in 2022, around 1,300 hectares have been restored and over 11 million mangrove seedlings planted. This effort supports marine biodiversity, reinforces coastal protection, and has already created approximately 300 local jobs — a number expected to grow as the project expands.
The initiative is aligned with Mozambique’s National Mangrove Management Action Plan (2021–2030).
Beyond its environmental value, mangrove reforestation has also yielded economic benefits. Restored mangrove ecosystems provide improved breeding grounds for marine species, leading to increased fishing yields for coastal communities — by up to 30%, according to preliminary data.
Coral Reefs and Sustainable Fishing
In Pemba Bay, another key focus has been the recovery of coral reefs in partnership with Lúrio University. Following the damage caused by Cyclone Kenneth in 2019, around 400 of the targeted 1,000 square metres of coral reef have already been restored. The initiative includes the training of over 30 university students in diving and coral monitoring techniques.
Sustainable fishing is also a central pillar of the programme, with over 500 fishers from Pemba, Palma and Mocímboa da Praia trained in methods that help preserve fish stocks without reducing productivity.
Native Tree Nursery: Biodiversity and Food Security
Further inland, in the locality of Senga, a nursery of native forest and fruit tree species has been established, with a production capacity of 75,000 seedlings. To date, over 200,000 seedlings have been distributed to local communities, contributing to reforestation, biodiversity conservation and long-term support for family farming.
Among the native species is the Berlinia orientalis, found only in northern Mozambique and southern Tanzania. Fruit tree varieties grown include avocado, mango, orange, pineapple and tangerine — all important components of local diets and sources of income.
Looking Ahead: Environmental Commitment and Regional Impact
According to Martha Silva, this ongoing environmental engagement seeks to position the Mozambique LNG project as a key partner in the sustainable development of the areas surrounding its operations — promoting solutions that help mitigate operational impact and foster synergies between economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion in Cabo Delgado.
