Mozambique: Absa Bank and PNAM establish partnership for environmental conservation

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Mozambique: Absa Bank and PNAM establish partnership for environmental conservation

12:17 CAT | 11 Apr 2024

File photo:Diário Económico

Absa Bank Mozambique signed a memorandum of understanding with Maputo National Park (PNAM) on Wednesday (10-04), cementing its commitment to environmental conservation and compliance with Sustainable Development Goal 13, focusing on climate action.

This alliance is part of the ‘Friends Club’ project, a PNAM initiative supported by the German government, which aims to unite efforts from various entities in favour of conservation and sustainable development. Silke Hansen, representing the German government, emphasized that the ‘Friends Club’ seeks to enrol institutions and individuals committed to preserving ecosystems and advancing local communities.

“With this initiative, we hope to engage the national private sector to jointly create employment opportunities, promote environmental education and mitigate human-wildlife conflict within and around the park, elements that will be explored in the signed memorandum,” Hansen stated.

Miguel Gonçalves, CEO of PNAM, recounted the park’s journey, emphasizing its expansion with the inclusion of the Ponta do Ouro Marine Reserve in 2009. The park, which now includes the Maputo Special Reserve (REM) and the Partial Marine Reserve of Ponta do Ouro (REMPP0), directly benefits around 181,000 families. Gonçalves highlighted the collaborative park management, carried out in partnership between the Mozambican government, through the Ministry of Land and Environment (MTA) and the National Administration of Conservation Areas(ANAC), and the Peace Parks Foundation (PPF).

“The involvement of the German government, the Peace Parks Foundation, and now Absa Bank Mozambique is essential for the success of our conservation and sustainability projects. Together, we support not only the park but also the communities residing in it,” stated Gonçalves, noting that PNAM is a candidate for World Heritage status.

Pedro Carvalho, CEO of Absa Bank Mozambique, emphasized the role of the financial institution in this partnership, which is focused on the ‘Human-Wildlife Coexistence Project,’ promoting actions to protect people, property and animals, and encouraging harmonious coexistence between community development and wildlife preservation.

Without disclosing the exact financial amount involved, the Absa CEO noted that this collaboration “aims to benefit the 181,000 families in the park’s influence zone, protect over 1,728 square kilometres of conserved area, promote biodiversity, and boost regional development through the encouragement of sustainable agriculture”.

Source: Diário Económico