Norway and Mozambique have extended their existing collaboration in the field of ocean management, a landmark step that was sealed with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. The event was attended by Lídia de Fátima da Graça Cardoso, Mozambique's Minister of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries, and her Norwegian counterpart, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development.
The renowned research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, moored in the port of Maputo, served as the setting for this significant ceremony. The ship, whose name is emblematic of the Nansen marine research programme, has been actively involved in research in Mozambique since 1976, having visited the south-east African country twelve times.
The programme in question, entitled "Support to the Application of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management considering Climate and Pollution Impacts", is a notable effort to promote the sustainable exploitation of living marine resources and the conservation of the marine environment. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) coordinates the project in close collaboration with the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Bergen, Norway, and it is funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad).
The newly signed memorandum of understanding underlines the strong determination to contribute to an environment conducive to sustainable social and economic progress. Emphasis is placed on improving food security, nutrition and livelihoods by increasing the production and consumption of aquatic products.
This exemplary partnership outlines the next phase of bilateral cooperation, founded on four main components: integrated marine management, the environment, research in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, and statistics. At the heart of this cooperation is the creation of the "Oceans for Development" programme, with Mozambique serving as the pilot country for its launch.
This memorandum is not only a natural progression but also a reaffirmation of the ongoing cooperation that has existed since the early days of Mozambique's independence, a period during which Norway has contributed in various ways to strengthening Mozambicans' capacity to manage their ocean and its resources.
Minister Tvinnereim echoed similar sentiments, underlining the status of Mozambique and Norway as ocean nations. She highlighted the importance of the oceans for food security and sustainable economic development, thus reinforcing Norway's commitment to building a sustainable ocean economy. The minister emphasised the mutual relevance of the oceans for both countries and the potential they represent for strengthening food security and promoting sustainable economic development. This commitment is a central element of Norwegian development cooperation, cementing the joint vision of Mozambique and Norway for sustainable ocean management.
