WWF - East African Coast

Mozambique government approves creation of a museum of fisheries

2013-06-06

Maputo, Thursday, June 6, 2013....The government of Mozambique has approved yesterday a decree establishing the Fisheries Museum, a public, national and cultural and scientific.

The decree was approved during the 17th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in Mozambique. According to the government spokesman Mr. Alberto Nkutumula, the Museum of Fisheries aims to contribute to the safeguarding of cultural heritage fisheries through research, collection, preservation, conservation and dissemination of the history of fishing in the country. The museum also aims to preserve and exhibit artifacts built secularly and samples of the main targeted stocks in the country.

As part of its duties, the Museum of Fisheries shall, in science, encourage studies aimed at the recovery of socio-cultural and historical information about fishing and, retrieve and disseminate the techniques on the development of fishing technology and fish.

In the education component, this institution, with legal institution and administrative autonomy, will organize lectures and seminars to disseminate information about socio-cultural aspects of fishing while to promoting the art of eating, especially in regard to sea products and visual arts exhibitions, amongst other actions.

The Museum of Fisheries will be based in a recently constructed building in the downtown area of the Mozambican capital Maputo. The construction of the building cost just over three million U.S. dollars, the amount disbursed by the Government of Mozambique in partnership with the Government of Norway. This is the first museum designed to promote the fisheries sector in the country.

WWF has applauded this move which shows the commitment by the Mozambican government to develop the fisheries sector in the country taking into account the social and cultural aspects of the people of Mozambique.

Speaking shortly after receiving the news of the creation of the Museum of Fisheries in Mozambique, WWF Coastal East Africa Head of Marine Domingos Gove noted that this bold move by the government would contribute to maximising the socio-economic benefits of healthy fisheries in the country.

"We want to empower governments and communities to promote sustainable fisheries and maximize the socio-economic benefits of healthy fisheries," said Mr. Gove

By Noticias and John Kabubu

CONSULTANCY: Development of South -Western Indian Ocean (SWIO) Fisheries Accord for Shared Fish Stocks

2013-06-04

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR: AU-IBAR and WWF Consultancy for Tuna Fisheries Accord development in SWIO.

The objective of this project is to undertake a feasibility study to inform the development of the Fisheries Accord for the Shared Stock in the SWIO range states with a view to empowering SWIO Coastal and Island States to promote and improve the governance of these resources in their respective waters, while ensuring the sustainability of the stocks through a collective approach that would accrue increased socio-economic benefits to the region. This process supports and connects with the 1st CAMFA recommendations, in particular with regard to the Pan-Africa fisheries policy framework and fisheries reform strategy being spearheaded by the AU-IBAR, NPCA in partnership with WWF, FAO, AU member states and Regional organizations.

Please download application instructions on the upper right hand side of your screen.

Chinese companies operating in Mozambique should comply with local legislation for Sustainable Forest Management

2013-06-04

The governments of Mozambique and China have appealed to Chinese companies operating overseas, particularly in Mozambique, to comply with the Mozambican forest Law, in order to ensure sustainable forest management in the country. The two governments expressed these sentiments during training on guidelines for Chinese companies operating overseas.

The two day training, which was a collaboration between the State Forest Administration (SFA) of China and the National Directorate of Land and Forests (DNTF) in Mozambique and WWF featured more than 50 participants, mostly Chinese companies involved in forest management and timber trade coming from the 8 most important provinces of the country in regard to timber production.

The training held between 30th and 31st May 2013 is a step forward in the engagement of Chinese companies operating in Mozambique towards sustainable forest management whilst increasing understanding of the legal, institutional, socio-cultural context and challenges in which Chinese timber companies are operating in Mozambique.

Speaking during the training, the Cabo Delgado provincial Governor, Mr. Eliseu Machava noted that the training on Sustainable Forest Management guidelines would contribute to knowledge enhancement of the forest sector in Mozambique, which will ensure that the forests of Mozambique are safeguarded.

"The Government of Mozambique is concerned by the withholding of the real cubage of the timber to be exported. We hope that after this training, most of these issues will have been discussed. We also hope that this meeting will be a step forward towards finding common solutions for the challenges facing the forest sector in the country. The two countries have a strong and healthy partnership in many sectors. This should serve as a great opportunity to strengthen our cooperation in the forest sector," said Mr. Machava.

During the event, participants presented a number of concerns such as the lack of capacity of the local market to absorb certain products, which is considered a barrier for the introduction of new products and, the difficulty to interpret the Mozambican forest legislation by some operators.

In response to these concerns, the National Director of the Land and Forest Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Simão Pedro, emphasised the need for Chinese companies to invest in local processing of timber in order to give added value to timber from Mozambique and, create more jobs locally. Mr. Pedro also appealed to Chinese companies to comply with local legislation in the forest sector.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Department of Development Planning and Finance Management at the State Forest Administration (SFA), Dr. Fu Jianqan, noted that it is important to strengthen the Chinese investment in Mozambique. He further noted that there are already many Chinese companies operating in Mozambique and as such, should comply with the Mozambican forest legislation so as to solidify investments and cooperation between both countries.

"Our companies should act in accordance with the Mozambican Law, and our government is engaged towards this end. Chinese companies should also work in partnership with the Mozambican government to assure a sustainable forest management," said Dr. Jianquan.

In July 2011, a delegation led by the National Director of DNTF Mozambique visited China and held meetings with His Excellency the Ambassador of Mozambique to China and senior officials of SFA led by SFA Deputy-General Director of, Mr. Su Ming. During this meeting, potential areas for cooperation between SFA and DNTF were identified with the two institutions agreeing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the forest sector.

Some of the key areas that were identified as priority for co-operation were: Law enforcement, technical and financial capacity building of Chinese companies owning forest concessions in Mozambique to enable them effectively implement management plans, promotion of partnerships between Mozambican and Chinese companies for implementation of management plans, facilitation for the transition of simple license operators to forest concessionaires, translation and dissemination of forest legislation in the two countries in Portuguese, Chinese and/or English languages, reforestation/afforestation with involvement of local communities and private sector in order to address energy and conservation needs, development and sharing of databases about logging and timber trade, market information and improvement of the timber processing industry to ensure value addition to timber in Mozambique before export.

The aforementioned training comes on the heels of the July 2011 meeting in China and is expected to help boost efforts being made towards the signing of a formal MOU between the two countries on joint objectives towards sustainable forest management and trade.

WWF Mozambique Forest Programme Coordinator Rito Mabunda noted that only cooperation between China and Mozambique would lead to a more sustainable future for forests in Mozambique.

"About 20% of the forest concessions in Mozambique is held by the Chinese citizens and about one hundred of Chinese companies are involved in the timber trade industry. This scenario shows the importance of working with the Chinese companies, in order to influence them for sustainable forest management in Mozambique," said Mr. Mabunda.

WWF Coastal East Africa Initiative has been at the forefront in promoting government to government cooperation that seeks to find solutions that contribute to sustainable management of forests which over 20 million people living in and along coastal forests and landscapes in eastern Africa depend on. The survival of these people is highly dependent on the availability of basic natural resources such as timber, wood-fuel and charcoal, which are extracted from forests, causing a serious dilemma; their dependency and consequent exploitation of these resources destroying the very basis of their existence.

By Alvo Ofumane and John Kabubu

Chinese and Mozambique Governments Support Unique Training for Companies Operating Oversees

2013-05-31

The governments of China and Mozambique have moved to promote sustainable forest management through supporting training on guidelines for Chinese companies operating overseas which they hope will contribute to enhanced cooperation between forest sectors in both countries.

The two day training, which is a collaboration between the State Forest Administration (SFA) of China and the National Directorate of Land and Forests (DNTF) in Mozambique will feature 50 participants, mostly Chinese companies involved in forest management and timber trade coming from the 8 most important provinces of the country for timber production.

The training slated for this week will attempt to initiate engagement of Chinese companies operating in Mozambique towards sustainable forest management whilst increasing understanding of the legal, institutional, social and cultural context and challenges in which Chinese timber companies are operating in Mozambique.

Further, the training is also expected to help identify the challenges and opportunities faced by Chinese companies involved in logging and or timber trade with a view to opening up communication channels with government agencies on both Chinese and Mozambican sides.

In July 2011, a delegation led by the National Director of DNTF Mozambique visited China and held meetings with His Excellency the Ambassador of Mozambique to China and senior officials of SFA led by SFA Deputy-General Director of, Mr. Su Ming. During this meeting, potential areas for cooperation between SFA and DNTF were identified with the two institutions agreeing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the forest sector.

Some of the key areas that were identified as priority for co-operation were: Law enforcement, technical and financial capacity building of Chinese companies owning forest concessions in Mozambique to enable them effectively implement management plans, promotion of partnerships between Mozambican and Chinese companies for implementation of management plans, facilitation for the transition of simple license operators to forest concessionaires, translation and dissemination of forest legislation in the two countries in Portuguese, Chinese and/or English languages, reforestation/afforestation with involvement of local communities and private sector in order to address energy and conservation needs, development and sharing of databases about logging and timber trade, market information and improvement of the timber processing industry to ensure value addition to timber in Mozambique before export.

The aforementioned training comes on the heels of the July 2011 meeting in China and is expected to help boost efforts being made towards the signing of a formal MOU between the two countries on joint objectives towards sustainable forest management and trade.

Speaking during the opening of the training, the Director of the Department of Development Planning and Finance Management at the State Forest Administration (SFA), Dr. Fu Jianqan on his part noted that China has been working together with Mozambique on the development of mechanisms for cooperation in the forest sector.

The Cabo Delgado provincial Governor, Mr. Eliseu Machava, also noted that the training on guidelines will contribute to knowledge enhancement in the forest sector in Mozambique which will go a long way in ensuring that the forests of Mozambique are safeguarded.

"The Government of Mozambique is concerned by the withholding of the real cubage of timber to be exported. We hope that after this training, most of these issues will have been discussed, and that this meeting will be the step forward to finding common solutions for the challenges facing the forest sector in both countries. The two countries have a strong and healthy cooperation in many sectors, and this should serve as a great opportunity to strengthen our cooperation in the forest sector," said Mr. Machava.

WWF Mozambique Forest Programme Coordinator Rito Mabunda noted that only coorperation between China and Mozambique would lead to a more sustainable future for forests in Mozambique.

"About 20% of the forest concessions in Mozambique are held by Chinese citizens with about one hundred Chinese companies being involved in the timber trade industry. This scenario shows the importance of working with the Chinese companies, in order to influence them for sustainable forest management in Mozambique", said Mr. Mabunda.

WWF Coastal East Africa Initiative has been at the forefront in promoting government to government cooperation that seeks to find solutions that contribute to sustainable management of forests which over 20 million people living in and along coastal forests and landscapes in eastern Africa depend on. The survival of these people is highly dependent on the availability of basic natural resources such as timber, wood-fuel and charcoal, which are extracted from forests, causing a serious dilemma; their dependency and consequent exploitation of these resources destroying the very basis of their existence.

By John Kabubu and Alvo Ofumane

New Fisheries Act Lays Basis For Sustainable Fisheries In Mozambique

2013-04-23

The Mozambican Parliament has by consensus approved a new Fisheries Act which will address rights-based management of fisheries, mainly for the direct benefit of local fishermen and pro-poor conservation. The approval of this Fisheries Act makes Mozambique the first country in the Western Indian Ocean region to officially adopt legislation that embraces rights-based management of fisheries.

Rights-based management (RBM) is a fisheries management tool that creates rules which define both the right to use allocation of fisheries resources and the responsibility to manage them. Thus, fishermen, fishing vessels, fishing communities and so forth can be awarded a license, quota or fishing right to stocks.

According to Mozambique's Minister of Fisheries Mr. Victor Borges, the new fisheries act approved last week by parliament replaces the former one dated 1990.

"The previous act was out-dated and, therefore, not able to combat various infractions committed in this sector. In this new act, rights will be given to nationals for a certain period, depending on the fishery resource in relation to which the rights are given," said the Minister.

More than 100,000 Mozambicans depend directly on fishing and more than 530,000 depend on it indirectly according to Mozambique's Ministry of Fisheries. The new Fisheries Act is expected to give more rights to these fishermen along with addressing infractions in the fisheries sector that skew the playing field against local communities in Mozambique.

Mozambique lost revenues of US$67 million in 2012 due to illegal fishing, basically of tuna and shrimp, by foreign and national fishing vessels within its jurisdictional waters, particularly the bays of Maputo and Sofala Bank, Mozambican newspaper Correio da Manhã reported.

WWF Coastal East Africa Initiative Leader Peter Scheren congratulated the government of Mozambique for passing the act but noted that it is expected by many players in the sector that this new act will address loss of revenue with the aim of ensuring more socio-economic benefits to local communities whilst conserving precious and sometimes inadequate fisheries resources.

"This is a huge step taken by Mozambique to promote sustainable fisheries management, not only in Mozambique but also in the Western Indian Ocean region. We believe that this new approach will effectively empower local communities to actively manage their artisanal fisheries, bringing more socio-economic benefits to them while conserving fisheries resources," noted Mr. Scheren.

Fisheries experts have warned that mismanagement of fisheries is costing African countries between 2 and 5 billion dollars every year. Illegal fishing alone accounts for the loss of fish valued at 1 billion dollars every year from the waters of Sub-Saharan Africa. The new Fisheries Act will aim at addressing such losses related to Mozambique.

By John Kabubu

Its Full speed ahead for Fisheries policy and institutional reforms in the South West Indian Ocean

2013-03-12

The Western Indian Ocean State's efforts to help bring about improved marine fisheries reforms and governance in the South West Indian Ocean range states are beginning to bear fruit following a recent decision to reform the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission from an advisory body to a full management body.

Through its Coastal East Africa Initiative, WWF has consistently lobbied the South West Indian Ocean range states of Comoros, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania and Yemen to strengthen their policy, legal and institutional framework in order to help bring about fisheries stock sustainability and increase socio-economic benefits to the over 65 million people that inhabit the coastal zone of the Western Indian Ocean.

During a special adhoc session of the South West Indian Ocean Commission (SWIOFC) held in Dar es Salaam Tanzania on the 27th – 28th of February 2013, members unanimously agreed and endorsed the decision to reform the SWIOFC from an advisory body to a full management body. This important transition will enable the Commission to facilitate binding and non-binding decisions that ensure adequate and professional management of fisheries in the region.

The member states furthermore decided to host the secretariat of the Commission in Mozambique, in an effort to bring the centre of coordination closer to the region.

Speaking during the meeting, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Tanzania Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries Dr. Johana Budeba welcomed the decision, noting, "The SWIOFC is an important Regional Fisheries Management Body and it is prudent that we put in place mechanisms and interventions to have it strengthened for improved fisheries governance".

WWF Coastal East Africa Initiative Fisheries Programme Officer Edward Kimakwa, speaking during the same meeting urged South West India Ocean member states to continue with their efforts to collectively promote sustainable development and management of the marine fisheries in the region.

"We need to see in the near future a situation where SWIO states are effectively controlling and equitably benefiting from sustainable marine fisheries stocks. Strengthening the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission as a fisheries management body will certainly go a long way in bringing about stock sustainability and increased socio-economic benefits to the SWIO coastal states," noted Mr. Kimakwa.

Fisheries experts have warned that mismanagement of fisheries is costing African countries between 2 and 5 billion dollars every year. Illegal fishing alone accounts for the loss of fish valued at 1 billion dollars every year from the waters of Sub-Saharan Africa.

The decision to establish a regional fisheries management commission comes at an opportune time considering that the South Western Indian Ocean Fisheries Project (SWIOFP) is coming to a close. The SWIOFP project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the World Bank, has been an important factor not only in establishing a much improved knowledge base on the fisheries of the region, but also in building up a strong coherence between the countries of the region.

The transformation of SWIOFC into a Fisheries Management Organisation is the icing on the cake for this project and provides an important basis for future interventions in the sector. WWF, in this regard, is engaged in discussions with the World Bank and other partners on a follow-up project that will build upon the success of SWIOFP and other initiatives.

By Edward Kimakwa, Peter Scheren & John Kabubu

Tana River Delta Ramsar Site Status a Plus for Coastal East Africa

2012-11-23

Conservation efforts by WWF and other environmental organizations have continued to forge ahead following Kenya designating the Tana River Delta as a Wetland of International Importance. With the Ramsar Secretariat's announcing that the Tana River Delta is now a Ramsar Site, the 163,600-hectare delta (02°27'S 040°17'E) becomes East Africa's second most important river mouth wetland after the Rufiji Delta in neighbouring Tanzania.

Kenya already has 5 designated Ramsar sites in the Great African Rift Valley, namely lakes Naivasha, Elementaita, Nakuru, Bogoria, and Baringo; providing enhanced tourism, employment for Kenya's tourism sector, vibrant horticultural industry around Lake Naivasha, steam geysers in Lake Bogoria, and Kenya's first sanctuary for the critically endangered black rhino in Lake Nakuru National Park. In total, Kenya's 6 Ramsar Sites cover 265,449 hectares.

The Tana Delta forms an area of rich biodiversity for sea species including fish and prawns, five species of marine turtles. There are a host of terrestrial animals such as the African Elephant, Tana Mangabey, Tana River Red Colobus, and White Collared monkey. In addition to more than 600 plant species, the Tana Delta is a home for many bird species and is a critical transit point for migratory water birds such as waders, gulls and terns.

According to Coastal East Africa Initiative leader Peter Scheren, the importance of the Tana Delta to Coastal East Africa cannot be underscored enough considering the numerous challenges facing the region.

"The Tana Delta is an important ecosystem for Coastal East Africa which continues to face several challenges. Statistics indicate that a mere 10% of the original coastal forests of Eastern Africa remain, fragmented into 400 patches that cover 6,250km² in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique. The fact that the Tana Delta is now the latest Ramsar Site in Africa is a boost in efforts to conserve the remaining forest cover and help secure the livelihoods of communities' dependent upon this important ecosystem," noted Mr. Scheren

Currently, over 20 million people live in and along coastal forests and landscapes in eastern Africa. The survival of these people is highly dependent on the availability of basic natural resources such as timber, wood-fuel and charcoal, which are extracted from forests, causing a serious dilemma; their dependency and consequent exploitation of these resources destroying the very basis of their existence. The pressures are rapidly rising as the population is expected to double by 2030 putting a serious and already present strain on the meager natural resources present in Coastal East Africa.

WWF implements several conservation projects at the Kenyan coast including the rehabilitation and protection of the Kaya and Boni Dodori forests, the conservation of sea turtles and livelihood enhancing activities.

By John Kabubu
Communications Officer
WWF Coastal East Africa Initiative

Tana River Delta Ramsar Site Status a Plus for Coastal East Africa

2012-11-23

Kenya already has 5 designated Ramsar sites in the Great African Rift Valley, namely lakes Naivasha, Elementaita, Nakuru, Bogoria, and Baringo; providing enhanced tourism, employment for Kenya's tourism sector, vibrant horticultural industry around Lake Naivasha, steam geysers in Lake Bogoria, and Kenya's first sanctuary for the critically endangered black rhino in Lake Nakuru National Park. In total, Kenya's 6 Ramsar Sites cover 265,449 hectares.

The Tana Delta forms an area of rich biodiversity for sea species including fish and prawns, five species of marine turtles. There are a host of terrestrial animals such as the African Elephant, Tana Mangabey, Tana River Red Colobus, and White Collared monkey. In addition to more than 600 plant species, the Tana Delta is a home for many bird species and is a critical transit point for migratory water birds such as waders, gulls and terns.

According to Coastal East Africa Initiative leader Peter Scheren, the importance of the Tana Delta to Coastal East Africa cannot be underscored enough considering the numerous challenges facing the region.

"The Tana Delta is an important ecosystem for Coastal East Africa which continues to face several challenges. Statistics indicate that a mere 10% of the original coastal forests of Eastern Africa remain, fragmented into 400 patches that cover 6,250km² in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique. The fact that the Tana Delta is now the latest Ramsar Site in Africa is a boost in efforts to conserve the remaining forest cover and help secure the livelihoods of communities' dependent upon this important ecosystem," noted Mr. Scheren

Currently, over 20 million people live in and along coastal forests and landscapes in eastern Africa. The survival of these people is highly dependent on the availability of basic natural resources such as timber, wood-fuel and charcoal, which are extracted from forests, causing a serious dilemma; their dependency and consequent exploitation of these resources destroying the very basis of their existence. The pressures are rapidly rising as the population is expected to double by 2030 putting a serious and already present strain on the meager natural resources present in Coastal East Africa.

WWF implements several conservation projects at the Kenyan coast including the rehabilitation and protection of the Kaya and Boni Dodori forests, the conservation of sea turtles and livelihood enhancing activities.

Mozambique creates Africa's largest coastal marine reserve

2012-11-06

The Primeiras and Segundas have been approved as a marine protected area in Mozambique making this diverse ten-island archipelago Africa's largest coastal marine reserve.

Comprising ten islands off the coast of northern Mozambique, and featuring abundant coral and marine turtle species, the protected area will cover more than 1,040,926 hectares. WWF has worked for eight years to secure this important marine reserve, which has been threatened by overfishing and unauthorised tourism.

"This is a great response to the appeal by local communities to help them protect their resources," said Florêncio Marerua, WWF Mozambique´s Country Director.

"This is a very important step in our effort to achieve the conservation and sustainable management of Mozambique's marine and coastal resources, as this adds a globally significant area to the network of marine protected areas along the country's coast. It is particularly exciting that both the government authorities and local communities recognize the benefits of conserving these resources."

Located in the northern region of the country, between Nampula and Zambezia Provinces, the declaration of the Primeiras and Segundas environment protection area represents the second major conservation area to be declared within the last two years.

The archipelago includes the most robust and diverse coral community in Mozambique. It is rich in mangroves, marine life, deep underwater canyons and large seagrass beds. Due to cold nutrient-rich upwellings, the archipelago is spared coral bleaching, a common problem in other coral-rich areas, making these some of the most globally productive and important reefs on the planet.

"This declaration by the Government shows they understand and care about the need for conservation of marine resources to support sustainable use by their communities, "said John Tanzer, Director of WWF's Global Marine Programme.

"Protecting the rich natural resources of this magnificent area will make a major contribution to the long-term food security and livelihoods of the people of the region. It is also a significant contribution by Mozambique to safeguarding the future of the world's marine environment more generally, and deserves recognition and congratulations to all concerned who worked together to make it possible."

The area is also of great economical importance. Artisanal, semi-industrial, and industrial fishermen have been carrying out their fishery activities in the same area. Thus, all fishing activity within the archipelago area shows signs of overexploitation, with some species on the brink of collapse.

Poorly managed fisheries impact food security and livelihoods

2012-10-30

Gland, Switzerland: A report released by the UN's independent food expert, Olivier De Schutter, "Fisheries and the right to food" highlights the devastating impacts of industrial overfishing on coastal communities, small-scale fishers, the marine environment, and the right to food of millions.

"Yet again we have an authoritative report which shows us that overfishing and the damaging effects of poorly managed fisheries is seriously impacting vulnerable communities' food security and livelihoods" said John Tanzer, Marine Director, WWF International.

"The fact that the number of boats and fishermen has increased eight fold between 1970 and 1990 yet they are not seeing anything like the equivalent increase in catch numbers speaks volumes about the consequences of overfishing and the effects this will have on food security in the near future."

"Yet we are still seeing relatively wealthy governments putting public funds into subsidising boat building and industrial fishing activities. It makes no sense because we are essentially mining the oceans instead of nurturing their capacity to support people's ongoing needs." he said.

Fish accounts for 15 per cent of the animal protein consumed worldwide, over 20 per cent in Asia and the fishing sector provides over 54 million people with jobs. In developing countries many of these jobs are as small-scale fisheries employing a high proportion of women.

Weak governance and capacity gaps mean the current approaches to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing are failing. The lack of investigation and prosecution of irresponsible distant water fleets by the flag states also contributes to this.

Coastal communities are limited in their contribution to reduce overfishing or IUU fishing without adequate social protection, fair prices and having fair access to fish resources. The report points out the importance of sound management and early and ongoing involvement of local artisanal fisher's in the management of local fisheries and the need to support them in maintaining improved market access for their catch.

Increased globalisation of the fishing industry has meant in 2010 the value of traded fish products was estimated at US$102 billion, up from US$8 billion in 1976. Many developing countries have benefited from this increase in the form of export revenue and state revenue from selling access to their fishing ground to distant water fleets.

"Without any safeguards and in the absence of effective fisheries management, these access agreements could prove harmful to local communities in the form of loss of fish for people, especially in places where food shortages occur" said Alfred Schumm, Leader of WWF's global Smart Fishing Initiative.

WWF calls for China and Africa to go green

2012-07-17

Beijing, China - WWF, the global conservation organisation, calls for inclusion of bold environmental commitments in the outcomes of China-Africa discussions this week in Beijing at the Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

"This Forum is an opportunity to establish a new model of cooperation between emerging economies and developing countries," says Jim Leape, WWF International Director General. "After the failure of Rio+20 and other major international summits to agree on ambitious action for a healthy planet, we hope FOCAC will signal new leadership for the creation of green and sustainable economies."

As China has become Africa's largest trading partner, WWF has put forward 40 recommendations to ensure that the 2012 action plan will place green economy and sustainable development at the core of the China-Africa relationship.

In particular, WWF recommends collaboration to foster a business framework where commodities such as timber are sourced and traded in a responsible way, as key resources upon which local communities and the world's climate depend. This could be achieved by agreeing a zero-tolerance policy on illegal timber trade, by supporting projects for sustainable forest management and granting preferential treatment to products that are certified under rigorous procedures.

In addition, China could use its leadership position in renewable energy to help Africa increase energy access through clean energy sources. Investing in the production and dissemination of highly efficient cookstoves, solar water heaters and biogas digesters, as well as training local operators in this field, can dramatically improve economic opportunities and the standards of living for millions of people.

At the same time, China should be compelled to help African countries face an unprecedented wildlife crisis due to poaching activities serving mostly the Asian (and Chinese) market of ivory and rhino horn.

In recent months several African countries have adopted green development plans or policies to enhance management of their natural capital. In May, for example, ten governments (Botswana, Liberia, Namibia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Gabon, Kenya, South Africa and Ghana) endorsed the Gaborone Declaration aiming to integrate the value of natural capital into national and corporate accounting. And in June Central African countries agreed on a regional plan to strengthen law enforcement and combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

WWF asks that the momentum being created in Africa continues through FOCAC, with China's boosting sustainable development in the continent.

"Investing in sustainable development is fundamental for both Africa and China's long-term prosperity. China has a stated goal of green development and African countries are developing plans to go green, so it is a good time for both to take concrete action to make all this become a reality," said Dr. Li Lin, Leader of the China for a Global Shift Initiative.

FOCAC is the highest political platform for dialogue between China and African countries. Every three years a Ministerial Conference defines principles and commitments for Chinese investment in Africa. The next Ministerial Conference will be in Beijing on 19-20 July 2012, agreeing an action plan of projects that China and African countries will undertake in the coming three years.

For further information:
Claudia Delpero, Advocacy and Communications Director, WWF China for a Global Shift Initiative, tel. +86 (0)10 65116227, cdelpero@wwfchina.org.

Overfishing jeopardizes global food security

2012-07-09

Gland, Switzerland: An ever-growing dependence on fish means governments must understand that the current fisheries crisis is an issue of fundamental humanitarian importance. Strong management measures to achieve sustainable fisheries and eradicating unfair competition caused by illegal fishing or unfair exploitation contracts must be a priority on the policy agenda, WWF International reiterated today.

The global environment organisation's message comes after the release of the latest State of the World's Fisheries and Aquaculture report (SOFIA 2012) issued today in Rome by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

SOFIA 2012 estimates that in 2009, 57 per cent of marine fisheries are fully exploited, while 30 per cent of all assessed marine stocks are over-exploited. The report shows that fisheries- related employment supports the livelihoods of 10-12 per cent of the world's population (660-820 million people), with 4.3 billion people depending on fish to provide about 15 per cent of their animal derived protein.

"With such dependency on fish meeting a rapidly growing population, we simply cannot sustain a situation where 87 per cent of global marine fisheries are at or above full exploitation" said Alfred Schumm, Leader of WWF's global Smart Fishing Initiative. "Using the precautionary approach, a holistic suite of ecosystem- and science based measures must be adopted if we are to realise the clear economic, environmental and social benefits of sustainably managed fisheries" added Schumm.

Importantly, SOFIA 2012 also recognizes that controlling illegal, unreported and unregulated vessels is a burden gradually falling on coastal states, port states, regional fisheries bodies, and others entities.

"Nobody wants the efforts of the good players to be undermined by an ugly underbelly of illegal fishing. We urge countries to push for the ratification and implementation of essential tools to manage this, such as the Port State Measures Agreement and the Global Record of Fishing Vessels as well as we urge fisheries to implement satellite AIS and electronic observer tools on every fishing- and carrier-vessel" said Mr Schumm.

Finding Sustainable Solutions

A key challenge in moving fisheries to a sustainable path is finding solutions that are socially, economically and politically viable.

"The current fisheries crisis should be seen as an opportunity for change. As our fish stocks decrease at the same time as demand increases, it is vital we find innovative solutions that work for both people and nature" said Dr. Robin Davies, Deputy Leader of WWF's Smart Fishing Initiative.

WWF is currently aiming to realize the future economic value of recovered and sustainably managed fish stocks via the establishmen oft a Financial Institution for the Recovery of Marine Ecosystems (FIRME) which employs an investment model that finances conservation without adversely impacting livelihoods. According to the international conservation organization, FIRME could be one way to do this.

Rio+20: WWF and African Development Bank rally leaders to invest in Africa's Natural Capital

2012-06-21

Rio de Janeiro - The African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) released a joint report on the state of environment in Africa, and are calling world leaders to invest in Africa's natural capital. The report is intended to catalyze decision-makers to invest in Africa's sustainable development and is being presented at Rio+20 at an event organized by the AfDB and WWF and hosted by the Senegalese government.

As leaders gather in Brazil this week, WWF and AfDB are encouraging leaders in both the public and private sectors to invest in Africa's natural capital. "Africa must rally around this objective, not just because donors demand it, but because it's our responsibility to protect our ecosystems," says the report. AfDB president, Donald Kaberuka commented: "We must strengthen cooperation between leaders, across continents, who share a common interest in fostering economic transformation. Let's make it a reality, together."

Over the next decade, important decisions will be made in terms of large-scale infrastructure, resource planning, and economic development. Investing in natural capital now will ensure ecological – and financial- security in the future. The AfDB and the WWF call on world leaders to act decisively on a green growth agenda. That agenda includes; enhancing ecological resilience and the capacity of natural systems, living within planetary limits and promoting measures of social progress that integrate the value of ecosystems.

The 'Africa Ecological Footprint Report – Green Infrastructure for Africa's Ecological Security' takes a look at the health of Africa's natural systems, as well as its footprint—the surface of land and sea needed to sustain a particular group. Trends in both areas are worrying. Africa's natural systems are under great strain—biodiversity has declined by 40 percent in 40 years. At the same time, increases in population and consumption patterns are projected to double Africa's footprint by 2040.

If Africa continues on a business-as-usual scenario, these two pressures—the reduction of nature's capacity to sustain life, and a more voracious consumption of resources—will impede its ability to sustain necessary and equitable development in the long run, including the provisioning of life's most basic necessities: food, water and fuel.

The good news is that Africa is well-placed to act. Many African countries still have a low footprint, allowing them to take on board resource-efficient technologies and lifestyles, circumventing inefficient development pathways taken by other countries. This means finding solutions that both promote social development and preserve nature. "This report brings home the fact that to build a lasting prosperity in Africa we must chart a course for development that conserves and sustains the "green infrastructure" – healthy rivers, forests, oceans – that supports the economy and society." We must maintain our credibility when we're talking about the environment, we cannot just sideline development." underlines WWF Director General, Jim Leape. "That is what 'sustainable development' is all about. We must find concrete solutions to satisfying both."

For example, coral reefs in the West Indian Ocean are valued at an estimated USD7.3 billion annually. They support coastal and artisanal fisheries, protect coasts from erosion and extreme weather, absorb carbon dioxide, and are the basis of a thriving tourism sector. Investment in green infrastructure now will ensure the sustained health of natural systems on which life and livelihoods depend.

While the report underlines some serious trends, it also offers examples of initiatives across Africa, where natural capital is being preserved while social and economic development benefits rural populations.
For example, the lake Naivasha region produces 70 percent of Kenya's cut flower exports and 20 percent of its vegetable exports, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to the national economy each year. Through a payment for environment services scheme, the horticultural industry pays upstream farmers to preserve the water resources on which the horticultural industry depends. This scheme not only helps to preserve valuable freshwater ecosystems, but also benefits small-scale farmers by increasing their yields and income, and ensures a clean, sustainable water supply for commercial farms.

Another example of how smart policy and investment can make a difference is the South African Renewables Initiative. The Initiative, established to fulfil South Africa's Integrated Resource Plan, is channelling international public finance into the development and distribution of renewable energy. South Africa plans to add 19 GW of renewable energy to the national grid by 2030—going from 0 to 14 percent renewables in its total energy mix in two decades. Not only will South Africans have increased access to energy, this scheme will also boost green technologies and jobs in the region.

Background:

AfDB and WWF formally entered into a partnership in July 2011, agreeing to initially focus on three areas of cooperation: developing win-win partnerships with emerging economies and strengthening South-South cooperation; catalysing knowledge sharing and knowledge products for green growth and sustainable development; collaborating on energy and water resource management; and climate change. This report is the first joint product of this partnership.

With a recent tripling of its capitalisation to USD 100 billion, the AfDB is the most important multilateral institution financing development in Africa. As the continent faces rapid economic and population growth, and growing resource and climate pressures, the AfDB plays an essential role in ensuring sustainable and equitable development.

WWF is the world's largest environmental non-governmental organisation and has been active in Africa since its foundation more than 50 years ago. WWF works together with governments, businesses and local communities to deliver conservation and sustainable development worldwide.

To download the report, and to find out more, go to: www.panda.org/lpr/africa2012; www.afdb.org/rio20

Tanzania Embarks on Road to Green Economy

2012-06-21

Tanzania anticipates making important strides on the pathway towards a Green Economy through green economy initiatives such as the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT).

SACGOT was a major talking point for Tanzania during Rio +20 talks currently going on in Rio Di Janeiro, Brazil. During a side event about investing in Natural Capital organized jointly by WWF and the Africa Development Bank, Tanzania's Minister of State, Vice President's Office (Environment) Dr. Terezya Huvisa noted that Tanzania stood to benefit immensely by greening its economy through initiatives such as SAGCOT.

"The 2011 SAGCOT investment blueprint envisions profitable farming systems services, businesses supported by infrastructure, value chains and human capital development. Innovative financing will include a public- private sector and multi-donor catalytic investment fund leveraged over $2bn," noted Dr. Huvisa.

The minister further noted that the SACGOT region offered immense potential for Tanzania which continues to be bogged down by high poverty levels and vulnerability to climate change.

SAGCOT's Green Growth Strategy includes a number of key components that will safeguard key ecosystem services and natural capital for agriculture and rural communities (e.g., irrigation water supplies) and support climate-smart agriculture to capture carbon in soils and vegetation, improve yields and resilience to droughts and floods as well as protect water quality and biodiversity.

The strategy furthermore involves agricultural investments for food and nutrition security with opportunities for export earnings; using REDD+ to help finance transitions to low-emission energy systems; and designating wildlife corridors in conjunction to maintain biodiversity, improve tourism revenues and minimize human-wildlife conflict.

As the Rio +20 talks continue, Dr. Huviza noted that the Green growth concept will give hope to sustainable climate-smart agriculture and social development to be mainstreamed into development initiatives. The SAGCOT blueprint for Tanzania is a laboratory for testing and implementing this concept and will provide valuable lessons for the agriculture sector in Africa.

Speaking during the same event, WWF's Director General, Jim Leape noted that "it is extremely disappointing to see that the international process on sustainable development culminating in the RIO+20 Conference, is failing in terms of achieving firm commitments in regard to preserving our natural capital. At the same time, it is extremely encouraging to see that individual countries, the champions of this world, are stepping up to the challenge and take crucial actions were international negotiations are failing."

John Kabubu

AfDB and WWF to launch Africa Ecological Footprint Report

2012-05-31

Arusha, Tanzania: The African Development Bank (AfDB) and global conservation group WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) have launched today a joint report on the state of Africa's environment.

The Africa Ecological Footprint Report: Green Infrastructure for Africa's Ecological Security takes stock of the health of Africa's ecosystems, as well as trends in resources use patterns. It also lays out recommendations on implementing green development pathways for Africa.

This report is intended to stoke up thinking on greener development in Africa and to rally action by policy-makers and investors in the lead-up to Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development taking place later this month in Brazil.

"Africa has choices", underlines AfDB President, Donald Kaberuka. "Embracing a more sustainable approach to development can generate benefits in terms of environmental security, human wellbeing, and increased competitiveness."

The Africa Ecological Footprint Report 2012 outlines two alarming trends, which if not addressed by policy-makers and investors are likely to lead to important social and economic impacts. First, by tracking the changes in wildlife populations as a proxy for ecosystem health, the Africa Living Planet Index shows a decline of nearly 40% in biodiversity in the last four decades. This decline reflects a degradation of the natural systems upon which Africa's current and future prosperity depends.

Second, rapid population growth and increasing prosperity are changing consumption patterns, with the result that Africa's ecological footprint – the area needed to generate the resources consumed by the people who live here – has been growing steadily. While Africa's total ecological footprint is set to double by 2040 in a business-as-usual scenario, the good news is that Africa is in an advantageous position to act. It is endowed with tremendous natural resources, which, if managed properly, will be able to meet the needs of a growing population. And its relatively low footprint may be maintained if forward-looking and large-scale solutions can be mobilised in the areas of renewable energy, urban planning, and sound management of forests, water and marine resources.

The opportunity and urgency to act to ensure adequate and equitable access to water, fuel and food in the coming decades is highlighted by Jim Leape, WWF Director General.

"Our ecological infrastructure – terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems – is as essential to human development as are industrial and social infrastructures such as roads, schools, hospitals and energy provision," said WWF's Jim Leape. "The Africa Ecological Footprint Report showcases successful and scalable initiatives across Africa in renewable energy, integrated water resource management, ecotourism and forest conservation. The report offers concrete recommendations for maintaining Africa's natural capital as the foundation for sustainable and inclusive development and I urge decision-makers to act on them."

Donald Kaberuka and Jim Leape launched the report together on 1 June as part of the AfDB's Annual Meetings in Arusha. The event, attended by AfDB senior staff, government ministers, NGO representatives, African business and financial leaders, and the African and international media, is intended to inspire interest and action from these key decision-makers. The report will also be featured at a side event of the Rio+20 conference in June.

AfDB and WWF formally entered into a partnership last July, agreeing to initially focus on three areas of cooperation: developing win-win partnerships with emerging economies and strengthening South-South cooperation; catalysing knowledge sharing and knowledge products for green growth and sustainable development; collaborating on energy and water resource management; and climate change. This report is the first joint product of this partnership.

With a recent tripling of its capitalisation to USD 100 billion, the AfDB is the most important multilateral institution financing development in Africa. As the continent faces rapid economic and population growth, and growing resource and climate pressures, the AfDB plays an essential role in ensuring sustainable and equitable development.

WWF is the world's largest environmental non-governmental organisation and has been active in Africa since its foundation more than 50 years ago. WWF works together with governments, businesses and local communities to deliver conservation and sustainable development worldwide.

To download the report, and to find out more, go to: www.panda.org/lpr/africa2012 or www.afdb.org.

Forest gives rise to village bank

2011-11-14

by John Kabubu, WWF Coastal East Africa Initiative

The Kaya Kinondo forest of Kwale, Kenya, is awash with all the beauty and splendor a coastal forest should have. It is one of the oldest forests on Kenya's south coast. Rare bird and plant species populate this awesome ecosystem, along with huge indigenous trees that are imposing in nature and magnificent in splendor.

Forty-five butterfly species – 5 per cent of those known in Kenya – are found in this great forest. The extremely rare Zanj elephant shrew, along with the threatened colobus monkey, make their homes in this magnificent landscape. The Kaya Kinondo forest is also of great cultural and spiritual importance to the Digo people in Kenya.

This dynamic environment also boasts something that doesn't fly or run, has no roots or leaves, but has become an essential part of daily life for the residents of Kwale, and may even help keep the forest healthy. It's a village bank.

'Very good trees'
Client after client comes into the Kaya Kinondo Financial Services Association to either deposit or withdraw money. This bank has no ATMs or free pens, but it does provide effective and efficient financial services to community members within and around the Kaya Kinondo forest area.

According to 50-year-old mother of six Zainab Ahmed, the success of their village bank would have been put in serious jeopardy had the community not realized what immense economic potential their forest has, and acted on it.

"Kaya Kinondo has very good trees. We were beginning to use the forest badly, cutting many trees from it to make charcoal. This was badly affecting the forest and slowly destroying it."

It is at this point that Zainab and her neighbors realized that there is indeed a better way to co-exist with and even benefit from the forest.

"In 2003, we decided to come together and start an eco-tourism project. We sold carvings and introduced our rich culture to tourists along a trail in the Kaya Kinondo forest," Zainab says.

Through this simple venture, the community in and around Kaya Kinondo began to see the economic value of forest conservation. Money begun streaming in, and the community faced a new challenge.

"We were getting all this money, but we had nowhere to take it because at that time, banks were really expensive and inaccessible," says Zainab.

Banking on nature
It was at this point that WWF, supported by the UN Development Programme's Global Environmental Facility, the Ford Foundation and Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, introduced the idea of banking in the village, for the village, by the village. In addition to the bank component, the project worked with people who earned their living by making charcoal or selling firewood with the aim of helping them shift to more forest-friendly enterprises such as growing tree seedlings, eco-tourism and various agricultural projects, such as chicken farming.

"We helped create Kaya Kinondo Financial Services Association in order to help communities in Kwale invest their revenue in environmentally viable businesses that would keep their forests profitable while also conserving them," says WWF's Elias Kimaru, who works on the project.

Training was carried out for community members to help them invest wisely and ensure that the bank is sustainable and continues to benefit the community and the environment.

"In every village, WWF trained one person on how to set up and run a village bank. This was an important move because we had previously seen other village banks start and then die because of mismanagement. We did not want our bank to fail. After the training, we started the bank with 153 members who bought shares at $3 each," explains Zainab.

Client numbers were low at first because villagers were not convinced that their money would be safe in a village bank. As Zainab recalled, other banks had been set up and had folded; the families of Kwale can't afford that kind of financial risk.

Growing strong
Two years down the line, in 2005, the bank was still open, and more and more members enrolled.

But the community realized they needed to learn more and expand the menu of financial services offered, if they were to stay competitive with other micro-finance institutions that had moved into the area.

"In 2005, WWF offered us training on how to manage loans as a bank, and we began providing business loans of up to $50 to our members," notes Zainab.

By 2011, more than 130 members had taken loans amounting to $60,000. From a desire to protect their forest and promote their culture, the members of Kaya Kinondo Financial Services Association have created a strong and growing community institution. With 153 members with a net worth of $3,000 in 2003, to 689 members with a net worth of close to $100,000 today, the village bank is indeed a testament to the fact that human beings can live in harmony with nature.

FSC certification helps stop the 'bleeding' in Tanzanian forests

2011-07-19

By John Kabubu, WWF Coastal East Africa Communications

The sound of a saw cutting deep into the kiaat tree (Pterocarpus angolensis, also called "bloodwood") in a forest in Kisangi village fills the air. Sweat drips from the body of 56-year-old Rafii Hashim as he pushes the saw rhythmically back and forth to ensure a smooth cut. The birds are chirping, the forest air is clean and the lungs present are only too happy not to be breathing in the heavy and polluted city air. As the saw cuts through the tree, it bleeds a deep red color. It's not unusual for the kiaat tree to release red colored sap from its trunk when cut.

The harvesting of trees in Kisangi village goes on in an orderly manner and without fear. This is because all activities being undertaken are legal and sanctioned by both government and the community. FSC certification is slowly taking root in some villages around Kilwa and Lindi districts in southern Tanzania.

Communities are beginning to realize the benefit of conserving their forests and putting a leash on illegal trade in timber. Despite this step in the right direction, it is worthy noting that it hasn't always been as such in rural Tanzania.

A change for the better

Rafii Hashim bears an optimistic look on his face as he speaks to us about FSC certification and the challenges they experienced before coming to the decision to harvest their timber in a sustainable manner.

"Before FSC, we used to get 100 Tanzanian shillings per tree and this wasn't always guaranteed since most of this timber was being harvested illegally. This money was not enough for us to do anything," says the father of 13 children.

Today, the story is different for Rafii and the people of Kisangi village. Through combined support from FDB in Denmark, the Sound and Fair campaign, Mpingo Conservation and Development Initiative and WWF, Rafii and his fellow villagers are beginning to reap the fruits of their hard labour.

"This thing called FSC has helped us conserve our forests better. It has helped us know when it is right to harvest and when it is not. We are now making over 100,000 Tanzanian shillings for every cubic meter we harvest. All this knowledge will help us harvest our trees in a way that doesn't harm the forest and ensure that even our children will have a forest to enjoy," he says.

The forest in and around Kisangi village is indeed a lifeline for the communities that reside there. The money generated from sustainable harvesting of trees has the support of government. According to the National Participatory Forest Management Coordinator Joseph Kigula, the government gains when communities advance.

"This is their money and their forest. They decide when and how to use the revenue collected from sustainably sourced trees. We are not losing as a government because the villagers here are part of the government. In fact, they are the government," says Kigula, explaining the benefits of the project.

Living in harmony with nature

The residents of Kisangi village are mainly farmers who grow maize, rice and the cash crop sesame seed. The forest around the village also has many benefits to the community. According to Rafii, the benefits of having a healthy forest cannot be underscored enough.

"We use the forest for many things. Many stomach ailments in my household are treated using medicine from the forest, from roots and leaves that make our children stronger. Today, our forests are even more beneficial to us after the education we have received so far to open our eyes and mind. We are able to build our schools and hospitals now with money from the forest. We did not know how valuable our forests were until we received education from Mpingo Conservation and Development Initiative," notes Rafii.

It is this education that has kept illegal activities in the forest at bay and given an incredible drive and willpower to Rafii and the people in his village to protect the forest from illegal activity.

"Before, both outsiders and village insiders harvested trees illegally. Today, every villager watches the forest and takes care of it. We even want to increase the FSC certified acreage so that our villages can continue to benefit even more from our forests," explains Rafii.

Worrying challenges remain

"This is only our second harvest, and finding markets to sell our timber continues to be a big obstacle toward the development of the village," he explains with a look of great concern on his face. This challenge could easily see the communities in Kilwa and Lindi districts revert to previous illegal activities and trade in timber.

A great tree has come crashing down, but the benefits of this project are evident. Hospitals, schools and other development projects will be carried out with funds from the sale of sustainably harvested timber. Communities will develop and forests will thrive – provided that markets are found for this community to keep FSC certification running on its own, sustainably.

WWF applauds Mozambique's conservation initiatives

2011-07-15

Maputo, Mozambique, July 15th 2011 – WWF celebrated Mozambique's strong engagement in conservation initiatives by delivering a 'Gift to the Earth', its highest awardfor publicly applauding a significant conservation achievement, to the President of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr. Armando Emílio Guebuza.

The Government of Mozambique was recognized today as a result of the Declaration of the Lake Niassa Aquatic Reserve and Ramsar site and of other conservation successes including the Declaration of the Ponto de Ouro Marine Reserve, the Extension of the Gorongosa Reserve Buffer Zone, the New Conservation Policy of the Republic of Mozambique and the "One Leader, One Forest", and "One Student, One Tree" Initiatives.

"In the name of the Mozambican people I´d like to dedicate this prize especially to community leaders, teachers, students, professionals in the field of conservation, to the media and to the Mozambican people in general for the laboriousness work all have been doing for the protection of our natural resources", said the President of Mozambique in his speech.

'This decision culminates with a number of joint efforts carried out by the Government of Mozambique and WWF, aiming the reduction of poverty for local communities through the promotion of best practices in the use and management of lake´s biodiversity - this is by far the best gift Mozambican people could ever give to the lake' said Florencio Marerua, WWF Mozambique Country Director.

The Gift to the Earth, symbolized in a certificate signed by Jim Leape, WWF International Director General, was delivered to the President of the Republic of Mozambique by Jean-Paul Paddack, Director, Global Initiatives at WWF International, during a ceremony that gathered WWF partners and Governments.

'This celebration recognizes Mozambique's significant contribution and commitment to the protection of the living world and that is clearly visible: from the declaration of the Quirimbas National Park, the Marromeu Ramsar Site and the Extension of the Bazaruto National Park, all between 2002 and 2003, and now with the Lake Niassa Reserve Declararion in June 2011, ' said Paddack.

'We hope that these important actions will be followed by the official declaration of the Primeiras and Segundas as a Marine Park – which would create the largest marine protected area (MPA) in the Western Indian Ocean Ecoregion. WWF will continue to work with the Government of Mozambique and population to monitor progress and assist where possible' he said.

Lake Niassa is the third largest and the second deepest lake in Africa. It is also the southernmost lake in the Great Rift Valley system of East Africa. This great lake's tropical waters and shores are home to about 1000 species of cichlids (mostly endemics) and significant and diverse bird populations, mammals and reptiles.

The new Aquatic Reserve, announced in June of this year, is the first fresh water lake under protection in Mozambique covering an area of 47.8 thousand hectares adjoined by a buffer zone of another 89.3 thousand hectares. The area will be managed by the Ministry of Fisheries with support from the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry for Coordination of Environmental Affairs.

The main purposes of the new conservation area include the preservation and protection of the biodiversity of Lake Niassa and their resources in Mozambican coast, maintenance of the area's ecological integrity and sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of present and future Mozambican generations.

The Government of Mozambique has also approved the Lake Niassa Reserve as a Ramsar site as it meets five of the eight criteria needed for acceptance to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. This wetland will be the second Ramsar site for Mozambique after the declaration of Marromeu Complex in 2003.

These commitments will ensure that the livelihoods of fisher communities are secured and priority is given to development options that maintain the resource while deriving benefits. For instance, due to its pristine environment, the Mozambican part of the Lake is regarded as the most beautiful attraction for future ecotourism options. The aquatic systems wisely used can make tremendous contribution to the fisheries economy and livelihoods.

Sweet news for environment as sustainable sugar comes to market

2011-06-21

Sao Paulo, Brazil: A mill in Sao Paulo, Brazil has become the first to have its sugar cane production certified under the new Bonsucro sustainability standard.

"This will change the sugar cane industry forever," said Kevin Ogorzalek, WWF-US programme officer and Chairman of the Bonsucro Board.

"Sugar is everywhere, on our tables, in our drinks, and in the food we eat. Increasingly sugar cane is in our gas tanks, too. This is why we work with influential market leaders to help ensure key commodities like sugar cane are grown in a manner that assures more sustainable use of natural resources. Through our markets-based approach, WWF will continue working with industry to grow the standard and help preserve the critical habitats at the core of our mission."

Major impacts in Brazil and Mekong

Sugar cane is one of the world's thirstiest crops. Its production can have major impacts on the water supply and quality, globally, and on the ecosystems where it is produced. Major production areas for sugar cane include important global biodiversity regions such as the Mekong and Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Sugar cane is used as a table sugar, and in the production of foods, sweetened beverages, livestock feed, molasses, bioelectricity and biofuels.

The first certification against Bonsucro's environmental and social sustainability standard covers production from the Raízen Maracaí Mill, covering more than 130,000 tonnes of sugar and 63,000 cubic metres of ethanol. The first buyer of certified sugar was the local Coca-Cola bottler.

Bonsucro is a global multi-stakeholder initiative dedicated to reducing the environmental and social impacts of sugar cane production which was developed from WWF's long running Better Sugar Cane Initiative. The Bonsucro standard for better sugar cane management identifies and addresses the most significant social and environmental impacts from sugar cane production in the area of legal compliance, biodiversity and ecosystem impacts, human rights, production and processing, and establishes markers for continuous improvement.

"As part of our efforts to transform the global sugar market to a sustainable basis, WWF will now focus on promoting certification to Bonsucro standards with producers and work with industry leaders and major buyers to make sourcing commitments," said Ogorzalek.

"Brazil has show great leadership in driving the industry toward a more sustainable business model. WWF remains committed to continue working closely with stakeholders in this region to monitor and continue to improve the standards to ensure they deliver real on the ground conservation results."

Mozambique's Lake Niassa declared reserve and Ramsar site

2011-06-10

Lake Niassa, has been officially declared a reserve by the Government of Mozambique today, protecting the species and natural habitats of one of the largest and the most bio-diverse, freshwater lakes in the world.

"Protecting Lake Niassa will have an immediate and lasting impact on the health of the fisheries located within it, providing security to the people who depend on the lake for their food and livelihoods," said Rubina Haroon, WWF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Programme Office, Representative. "Now it is the time to translate the zoning and management plans into practical actions on the ground. Now is the time for friends of Lake Niassa to rally round and lend a hand".

The Government of Mozambique has also approved the proposal for the designation of Lake Niassa as a Ramsar site, including not only the reserve, but surrounding wetlands and watershed. This wetland will be the second Ramsar site for Mozambique after the declaration of Marromeu Complex in 2003.

Lake Niassa, spanning 1,363,700 hectares and 700 meters deep is Mozambique's part of the third largest and the second deepest lake in Africa (referred to as "Lake Malawi" in Malawi, and as "Lake Nyasa" in Tanzania, which are the other two countries that share it).

The lake's tropical waters and shores are home to an estimated 1,000 species of cichlids, with only 5 percent found elsewhere. The region is also home to significant and diverse bird populations, mammals and reptiles.

Through collaboration of the Government of Mozambique (Ministries of Tourism, Fisheries, Environment and Defense, the Niassa Provincial Government), USAID, The Coca-Cola Company and WWF, village level mechanisms for monitoring illegal and overfishing, erosion and deforestation, managing fisheries, and mitigating the impacts of climate change were developed. Zones were created that will allow for total protection of species in some areas, seasonal protection in others, depending on spawning times and dedicated artisanal fishing areas.

Local communities were instrumental in achieving success by making several concessions in order to protect their main source of food and income by agreeing to the closure of all fishing rivers during the annual spawning runs for lake salmon and other species, and the total protection of the Chambo (Tilapia sp.) spawning beds during breeding season. Additionally they created a team of community rangers responsible to district administration and cooperating with the Navy to enforce existing laws surrounding illegal fishing, timber cutting, illegal migration, mining and piracy.

"Through an innovative approach to water use management, input from the local communities and the will of the government, we are able to protect endemic species of fish during the critical stages of their lifecycle," said Haroon.

The new reserve is the first fresh water lake under protection in Mozambique covering an area of 47.8 thousand hectares adjoined by a buffer zone of another 89.3 thousand hectares. It fulfils the government's commitment to protect 10 percent of lake holdings and is in addition to the 17 percent of terrestrial land holdings that are currently protected by the government, 7 percent more than they committed to when signing the Jakarta Accord. The reserve will be managed by the Ministry of Fisheries with support from the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry for Coordination of Environmental Affairs. The Ministry of Defence will help with enforcement.

"Through science we are able to quantify the economic benefits of protecting our planet's natural resources, like the ones Lake Niassa provide" Haroon said. "That is why WWF is encouraged by the steps the Government of Mozambique