Likhulu, with support from the UK Planet Fund Ocean, hosted on 4 August, the first event celebrating the MPA Day (http://mpaday.org) in Maputo, Mozambique. MPA Day is celebrated globally on August 1st, and is dedicated to raising awareness about the protection of these ecosystems and their contribution to ocean conservation, sustainable development, and community well-being.
At the opening ceremony, the H.E. Hellen Lewis, UK High Commissioner in Mozambique, Dr. Felismina Antia (National Director for Sea Matters) and Dr. Pejul Calenga (Director General of the National Administration of Conservation Areas) delivered opening remarks and expressed their commitment to support the MPA Expansion Strategy and the marine conservation agenda, which aims at achieving 10-12% of the EEZ under protection status by 2030.
At the event, the main findings of a study carried out by MUVA on gender issues within four MPAs in Mozambique were shared and debated. This was followed by the official launch by Likhulu, of the Mozambique LMMA Database – a webGIS based platform build upon the data collected under the regional project supported by WIOMSA and the Blue Nature Alliance.
A short documentary on the challenges, achievements and value of marine conservation in Mozambique was presented by Likhulu and featured the Maputo National Park and the Nhangau Association for Natural Resources Management showcasing the efforts by a LMMA and formal MPA in delivering conservation outcomes in Mozambique. The documentary will be made available vat Likhulu’s YouTube channel with Portuguese and English subtitles.
The event culminated with ANAC’s Director General, Dr. Pejul Calenga, handing over the MPA Pro Level 2 certificate award to Vanessa Muianga (Marine Manager of Maputo National Park). She is the first Mozambican woman to attain this achievement. This certification follows the first ever Portuguese WIOCOMPAS Certification event that took place in Maputo in April 2025. The assessors were Helena Motta and Marcos Pereira, under the overall guidance of Lawrence Sisitka. The WIO-Compass certification is valid for five years.
The celebration of the MPA Day was attended by a total of 57 participants, including the high-level government representatives, donors, several representatives from partner conservation organizations, community-based organizations, academia and students.