Mozambican President Daniel Chapo called on Monday, May 26, for “coordinated, intelligent, and united action” from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) in the face of the growing effects of climate change, highlighting Mozambique’s high vulnerability to extreme weather events, according to the Lusa news agency.
“Recent data on climate change show that our country is among the ten most vulnerable in the world to extreme climate impacts. This reality demands coordinated, intelligent, and united action – not only at the political level, but especially among the specialists within our community,” the President stated.
The appeal was made at the opening of the 11th Congress on Coastal Zone Planning and Management for Portuguese-Speaking Countries, held concurrently with the 16th Symposium on Hydraulics and Water Resources, in Maputo.
Sharing Solutions Among Portuguese-Speaking Nations
Chapo addressed the attending experts and technicians — from Mozambique, Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, and other CPLP nations — encouraging the exchange of experiences, solutions, and innovations in coastal zone management, water resources, and disaster response.
The President highlighted Mozambique’s progress, notably the increase in lead time for meteorological alerts from one to six days since 2016, which has significantly reduced loss of life during extreme weather events.
“Investments are being made in flood defense and retention infrastructure, early warning systems, land use planning, and other initiatives,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of these measures in risk reduction and community resilience.
Strategies to Tackle Extreme Events
The growing frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Mozambique has led to the adoption of targeted strategies, including:
- Institutional strengthening of the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD)
- Expansion of the “One District, One Weather Station” initiative
- Creation of a technical unit specialized in flood and drought control
Chapo also announced that the new National Development Strategy 2025–2044 includes ambitious goals:
- Increase water storage capacity to 61.7 million cubic meters
- Ensure 70% access to drinking water
- Provide 68% access to basic sanitation
- Strengthen integrated water resource management
“Our ability to act jointly will be crucial to overcoming the barriers to integrated and sustainable water management, ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation, and thereby contributing to the well-being of our populations,” he stressed.
The President also emphasized the importance of regional strategies within the CPLP and dialogue with high-emission countries, which he said bear a greater responsibility in climate mitigation and adaptation.
Source: Diário Económico
