The University of Lúrio (UniLúrio) and TotalEnergies EP Mozambique Area 1 Limited, as the operator of the Mozambique LNG project, signed on Monday, April 11, a memorandum of understanding for the implementation of a coral reef restoration and sustainable fisheries development project in Cabo Delgado province. The project has an initial duration of three years and is budgeted at 450 thousand dollars to be disbursed by Mozambique LNG.
The respective, covers the localities of Pemba, Maringanha, Wimbe, and Gimpia, and aims, in particular, the restoration of coral reefs, the improvement of ecosystem health, the establishment of coral nurseries and spiders, the construction of artificial reefs, and the increase of sustainable fishing techniques, as well as the promotion of ecological tourism.
During the memorandum signing ceremony, the Secretary of State of Cabo Delgado Province, António Supeia, said that the agreement is an unequivocal sign of openness and alignment of partners, in this case TotalEnergies and UniLúrio, in the implementation of projects of such importance, whose objective is, without a doubt, to involve the private sector in the process of developing and strengthening the capacities of higher education institutions in a sustainable way.
Supeia, also said that the implementation of the project will mean creating space for greater interaction with various stakeholders in the design and implementation of joint programs in the areas of student training, coral reef monitoring, fishermen training in coral reef promotion, community awareness on coral reef conservation and tourism promotion, including improving the health of the ecosystem.
For her part, the Rector of UniLúrio, Leda Hugo, expressed the satisfaction and honor of the University Lúrio to secure this support from TotalEnergies which is embodied in funding to UniLúrio to, over the next three years, develop this project, contributing to the rapid recovery of coral reefs in the Pemba Bay for sustainable fishing in communities and to improve teaching, research and extension in these areas at our University.
Meanwhile, Maxime Rabilloud, General Director of TotalEnergies, considered that the signed memorandum is the testimony that TotalEnergies recognizes the important role of the academia in the development of the country, that by supporting this project, intends to contribute to the sustainable development of the country, in general, and Cabo Delgado, in particular.
“This is a commitment that aligns with the company’s adherence to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including, of course, those related to biodiversity conservation. Environmental issues are a central part of our sustainability agenda. This memorandum reflects that centrality and is a testament to the support we provide, on a global scale, to activities that include biodiversity awareness, youth training and research actions, as well as dissemination of sustainable fishing practices or use of forest products,” he concluded.
It should be noted that this partnership between TotalEnergies and UniLúrio will allow UniLúrio to train about 100 students in marine science, with special focus on coral reefs and their monitoring, and in diving activities, as well as train 100 people from local communities in sustainable fishing techniques and ecotourism.
