The Ministry of Land and Environment (MTA), in partnership with IUCN Mozambique, launched three Knowledge Hubs as part of its efforts to centralise and streamline conservation and restoration training and knowledge exchange from the central to local levels and from public administration to communities. These hubs serve as essential training tools, particularly for mangrove restoration and protection, and for the broader application of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for both communities and policymakers.

Located within government premises in Maputo, Maputo National Park, and Pemba, the hubs function as open-access centres where conservation manuals, tools, and courses, including those from the IUCN Academy, are shared. These resources, (e.g. on NbS, Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), mangrove restoration) translated to Portuguese and tailored to local projects and communities, help expand the reach of conservation knowledge, especially to rural communities, women, and youth. By offering systematic online and in-person training, the hubs provide a space for both tailored learning and socio-economic development, incorporating important dimensions of governance, gender, and youth engagement.

The Knowledge Hubs empower local communities, especially those in buffer and coastal areas, to become active agents in conservation and climate adaptation by providing tools on topics such as mangrove restoration and NbS. This initiative not only promotes sustainable practices but also nurtures a culture of learning and participation. 

The Knowledge Hubs have proven to be a cost-effective solution for training, using existing infrastructure and only require internet connectivity. The program includes in-person training, such as the “Blue Training in Practise” program, which successfully trained over 20 professors and MTA staff to integrate coastal and marine management into local development plans and projects This approach is designed as a long-term, cross-sectoral process, ensuring that biodiversity, climate, and development considerations are incorporated into local development strategies. Where possible, the program also facilitates personal exchanges with local communities to enhance engagement and knowledge transfer.

Furthermore, the Knowledge Hubs have also served as a model for other development and conservation actors, attracting in-kind and financial support, which further strengthens partnerships and raises awareness.

IUCN’s approach was rooted in its membership union, of which the Government of Mozambique is a partner. Mozambique hosts several key IUCN members, including Peace Parks Foundation, WCS, and WWF, as well as benefiting from EU-funded initiatives like PANORAMA. This made it easier for IUCN to assess interest and support for establishing a platform for knowledge and information sharing, such as the Dialogue Platform.

IUCN worked closely with the Ministry of Land and Environment, including ANAC, to engage local organisations and governments in identifying key thematic and policy areas for discussion. This approach helped streamline conservation and development approaches and manuals, creating a unified voice to influence policy and aligned the conservation actor’s engagement and agreement. The first edition of the Dialogue Platform was a success, providing an open dialogue with the government and conservation actors to discuss biodiversity and conservation priorities. The event also featured the SOMN Mangrove Champion Awards, that were jointly presented by an IUCN representative, the German Embassy representative and the MTA Permanent Secretary, underscoring the value of partnerships and recognition in promoting environmental efforts.

By nurturing partnerships, IUCN ensured that the voice of conservation actors remained active, positively influencing policy decisions, particularly in mainstreaming biodiversity and ecosystem-based adaptation into all development projects. The continued activities of the Dialogue Platform deepened engagement around themes such as land use and the management of competing land interests.

The foundation of the process was built on two key elements: IUCN’s broad membership network and its reputation as a reliable partner to governments. This strong base enabled IUCN to mobilize environmental actors, both local and international, to collaborate with government counterparts. By creating an open space for discussion, IUCN enabled conversations around challenges and opportunities for scaling conservation efforts through coordinated, complementary approaches.

The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness provided an essential framework for understanding the flow of development aid and its implications. It also served as a guide for participants to see how their efforts fit into broader national and global commitments, such as the 30x30 conservation goal.

Furthermore, a series of thematic events under the umbrella of environmental sustainability were designed, focusing on tools like the PNDT and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP/POEM), which are essential for creating local ecosystems-based development plans and the evaluation and response to competing uses of conservation and buffer areas. These plans are vital for addressing complex land use and conservation issues. The structured approach not only helped improve governance and public participation but also ensured that IUCN’s role in policy design was strengthened through its ongoing dialogue with the government.