MAPUTO, Oct 13 (The African Portal) – Felizmina Antina, National Director of Maritime Affairs, believes that the government’s Maritime Management Plan is a crucial pillar for ensuring Mozambique’s environmental and socioeconomic sustainability.
According to Antina, who was speaking on Saturday, although the country has approximately 2,500 kilometers of coastline, home to approximately 95 percent of the coastal population, marine species face significant challenges, including pollution, overexploitation of resources, and the effects of climate change
“To address these problems, the government has implemented strategic instruments such as the Maritime Policy and Strategy, the Maritime Management Plan, and the Blue Economy Strategy, approved in July 2024”, she said.
According to the director, it is crucial to keep “the sea alive, preserving underwater life” as it is defined in the Maritime Management Plan, which also ensures sustainable use of resources, including mangroves, coral reefs, and essential fishing habitats.
She also explained that coastal districts and municipalities have delegated powers to monitor and ensure the rational use of marine ecosystems.
In her turn, Alexandra Jorge, Executive Director of the Biodiversity Fund (BioFund), a Mozambican NGO, it is crucial to involve young people and the communities in environmental preservation.
“We have promoted mangrove and coral reef restoration projects, directly involving local communities. It is comforting when, after a cyclone, the population already knows where to plant mangroves to protect the territory. This demonstrates that environmental awareness is growing”, she said.
“Environmental education and community engagement are essential to ensure that marine resources continue to provide protein and livelihoods for coastal populations”, she added.
According to Jorge, BioFund’s initiatives also strengthen coordination between public, private, and academic sectors, ensuring that biodiversity management is inclusive and based on scientific data.
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