UK and Mozambique Launch New Partnership to Protect Coasts and Support Fishing Communities.

MAPUTO-The United Kingdom(UK) and Mozambique recently launched the Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition, or COAST, facility, a new programme supporting sustainable fisheries, coastal resilience and mangrove restoration across Mozambique.

The official launch took place in Maputo, with UK Special Representative for Nature Ruth Davis and representatives of the Government of Mozambique marking the start of the programme, which is expected to involve UK investment of £6 to £8 million through to 2030.

Speaking at the launch, UK Special Representative for Nature Ruth Davis

revealed that the initiative will use a multistakeholder approach.

“COAST will work with government, communities, civil society and the private sector to strengthen small-scale fisheries, restore mangroves, and support inclusive blue economy development, building on Mozambique’s National Blue Economy Strategy and progress towards the Marine Protected Area Expansion Strategy,"stated Ruth Davies.

According to Secretary of State for Land and Environment of Mozambique, Gustavo Dgedge, the programme will greatly help the development of the blue economy in Mozambique.

“The launch of the COAST Programme will help drive the implementation of the UK-funded Blue Planet Fund programmes in our country, maximising their impact on the sustainable development of the blue economy, the management of marine resources, and the mobilisation of investment and finance for inclusive economic growth,"he said

The programme forms part of the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, which is supporting a range of joint initiatives in Mozambique, including the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership and coastal resilience programming, working alongside partners such as the World Bank’s PROBLUE initiative.

Source.Club of Mozambique based on a Press Release from the British High Commission.