02 October 2023, Maputo – Ensuring sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources and conservation of ecosystems using ecosystem approaches to fisheries (EAF) a consultation was held for the preparation of the activity plans and for the intervention of the second phase of implementation of the SWIOFC-NC PP project, at the level of the Provinces of Nampula (Moma District) and Sofala (Machanga District), involving key stakeholders, including local authorities and fishing communities. The listening process took place from 26 to 30 September 2023 in Nampula Province, Moma District and from 30 September to 1 October in Sofala Province, Machanga District.

The process of selecting the new implementation sites of the second phase of the project was conducted by a joint mission involving the Ministries of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries (MIMAIP), through the National Fisheries Administration and the Ministry of Land and Environment (MTA). The listening sessions aim to prepare the detailed activity plan and its budget for the realization of the Ception Workshop of the second phase of the Project and the meeting of the National Project Steering Committee, scheduled for October of this year.

The main activities that deserved to be highlighted for intervention in the two new sites (Moma and Machanga), proposed by the local government and communities, include interventions to combat coastal and riverbank erosion; protection and restoration of mangrove forests, strengthening of the fishing value chain, especially the cold chain, alternative means of subsistence and elaboration of management plans for fishery resources and ecosystems, in articulation with the conservation areas, namely the Conservation Area of the First and Second Islands (APAIPS) and Cotada 5.

Overfishing, the use of harmful fishing methods and gear, the uncontrolled cutting of mangroves to produce firewood for sale, as well as the effects of climate change, threaten the future of artisanal fishing and critical habitats. Ensuring the sustainability of coastal fisheries using the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) for the sustainable use of fisheries resources, as well as strengthening the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on fishing, represents one of the priorities for the Government of Mozambique and development partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Mozambique and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), who are partners in the implementation of the project.

FAO/SWIOFC is implementing a project funded by the Government of Sweden in partnership with the Nairobi Convention (NC) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The SWIOFC-NC partnership project aims to support Western Indian Ocean (WIO) countries to develop and implement coordinated approaches to the management and sustainable use of fisheries resources and associated coastal ecosystems, at regional and national level. In the first phase (2019-2023), the project involved Mozambique, Madagascar and the United Republic of Tanzania and for the second phase (2023-2027) the participating countries include Mozambique, the United Republic of Tanzania and Kenya.

About SWIOFC

The Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) is a statutory body established by the FAO Council to promote the sustainable development, conservation and management of shared resources in its region, without prejudice to the sovereign rights of coastal countries. SWIOFC acts as a regional platform for the management of living marine organisms, including fishery resources.