MAPUTO — Mozambique has strengthened its environmental management capacity with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Secretary of State for Land and Environment, Gustavo Dgedge, and Dennis Van Peppen, International Director of the Dutch Commission for Environmental Assessment (NCEA).
The signing, which took place on December 1, was witnessed by Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, Roberto Mito Albino, and Pascalle Grotenhuis, the Deputy Minister for Cooperation of the Netherlands. It followed a meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, environment, and fisheries between the two nations.
Minister Albino addressed the complexities of Mozambique’s environmental challenges, including floods and mining-induced pollution, and expressed optimism that the new partnership would present significant opportunities for improvement. He noted that the collaboration would provide training for local technicians, improve environmental impact assessments, and enhance resilience planning across the country.
“The creation of regional environmental laboratories will be key. Currently, we send environmental samples abroad, but with these labs, we will be able to produce technical data locally and make more informed decisions,” said Albino.
The MoU also includes plans for joint resource mobilisation and essential studies to ensure the successful implementation of identified actions.
Grotenhuis, marking 50 years of diplomatic ties between Mozambique and the Netherlands, expressed her country’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable practices. She called the partnership a vital step toward Mozambique’s economic and industrial growth, focusing on sustainable, transparent practices.
The two countries also set strategic priorities for their partnership, including boosting food production, exploring export opportunities, and attracting European private investment, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Minister Albino also spoke about progress in developing a National Programme for the Development of the Seed Chain in Mozambique, a milestone in their agricultural cooperation.
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