On April 9 April, 2025, the Technical-Scientific Unit established to support how biodiversity offsets are designed and implemented in the context of the mitigation hierarchy held its first regular annual meeting. Composed of representatives from government institutions, the private sector, academia and civil society organizations, this multisectoral body plays a strategic role in supporting the Environmental Impact Assessment Authority in the design, evaluation, and monitoring of Biodiversity Offset Management Plans (PGCBs).
The session brought together 18 participants, including members, invited guests and the secretariat, and was marked by strategic discussions on the progress of implementing the Biodiversity Offsets Directive (Ministerial Diploma nº 55/2022 of 19 May). Emphasis was placed on reviewing the activities carried out in 2024 and discussing the proposal work plan for 2025. Participants also received updates on the implementation status of Kenmare’s Biodiversity Offset Management Plan, as well as other potential PGCBs in development across the country. The meeting also featured a presentation on the status of technical guidelines, both existing and under development, for the implementation of the Ministerial Diploma. These tools are intended to support the Government, project proponents, environmental consultants, and other stakeholders involved in implementing biodiversity offsets in Mozambique. The group also reflected on the sustainability and composition of the Technical-Scientific Unit, outlining the next steps to ensure its continued and effective operation.
The operationalization of the UTC is supported by the COMBO+ Program, a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS-Mozambique) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND). The COMBO+ Program is currently funded by the Agence Française de Development (AFD) and the Fonds Français pour l'Environnement Mondial (FFEM). In Mozambique, COMBO+ is also currently funded by the Government of Sweden through the Biodiversity Conservation Program.
This meeting not only reaffirmed the UTC’s strategic role but also strengthened the collective commitment to biodiversity conservation in Mozambique, in alignment with national and international targets.