On October 30, 2023, the Mozambique Country Chapter of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Area Professional Network (WIOMPAN) convened at the Museum of Natural History in Maputo. Organized by Fundação Likhulu, this meeting aimed to strengthen local marine protected area (MPA) and locally managed marine area (LMMA) networks, foster a joint management approach, and review WIOMPAN’s 2023–2024 activities in Mozambique. Eighteen professionals attended in person, with nine joining virtually.
The meeting opened with an introduction to WIOMPAN and an overview of Mozambique’s eight formal MPAs and numerous LMMAs. Presentations followed from professionals representing three provinces, highlighting MPA expansion plans, the country’s legal framework for LMMAs, and ongoing challenges.
An online poll conducted before the meeting revealed pressing challenges: LMMA professionals cited legalization support, illegal activities, and financing shortages, while formal MPA practitioners emphasized destructive fishing, insufficient monitoring, lack of livelihood alternatives, and funding gaps. During breakout sessions, groups identified practical solutions and refined priorities, with the formal MPA group revising their top challenges to inadequate planning, staff shortages, and financing needs.
The meeting concluded with the election of Marcos Pereira from Fundação Likhulu as WIOMPAN’s Mozambique representative. Participants also recommended the development of clear terms of reference for network membership and requested updates on regional initiatives, including the LMMA Mapping project.
The event was positively evaluated, achieving an overall score of 4.1/5. While logistics, especially accommodation, were noted as areas for improvement, the meeting effectively laid the groundwork for advancing MPA and LMMA management in Mozambique.
WIOMSA and JNCC are thanked for their support, and participants are commended for their active engagement in strengthening Mozambique’s contributions to WIOMPAN.