What can you do?
Many people believe that they bear no responsibility for the global biodiversity crisis, yet we all contribute to this crisis through our daily consumption habits. Biodiversity loss is driven by factors at all scales, from local to regional to global, which means that taking action to conserve it is everyone’s responsibility. This page provides a set of specific ideas on things you can do to help conserve biodiversity in Mozambique and around the world.
The first step is to find out about Mozambique’s species and ecosystems, the causes of biodiversity loss and alternatives to reduce our impact. We can participate in the conservation of biodiversity by improving our knowledge, increasing our awareness on the impacts of biodiversity loss and, at simultaneously, contributing to the collection of data on species and ecosystems. This can be done in a simple way by recording observations, photographs, sharing these elements on social networks or by giving talks at schools, associations, clubs or other civil society platforms such as Izele. Increased information on our biodiversity will allow our decision-makers to better plan conservation actions and design scientifically orientated policies that are based on the national socio-economic context.
Think about your daily activities and how you can reduce your impact or “human footprint”. Millions of Mozambicans can make a difference if everyone is aware of their choices and actions. Reduce your use of non-renewable energy and fossil fuels. If you use charcoal, look for more sustainable alternatives or use improved cookers. Don’t contribute to the deforestation of our native forests or the capture and destruction of wild species. If you have access to processed products, reduce your overuse of food and other products whose purchase, packaging, transport, refrigeration, etc. have a high impact on biodiversity.
Report crimes against the environment and biodiversity to the authorities, such as poaching, illegal trade of protected species and their derivatives, and other environmental crimes. Pay special attention to protected and endangered species such as elephants, lions, leopards, pangolins, sharks and rays, dugongs, sea turtles and seahorses. Don’t buy any products taken from or derived from these animals.
Progress in biodiversity conservation can be achieved through the synergy between scientific knowledge, community environmental education, sectoral responses (public and private) and through consideration of other societal needs, such as urban development and development projects. Therefore, we can intervene as promoters of good conservation practices in our community and in the sectors where we operate, by sharing community management models, promoting the national measures adopted, and at the same time influencing the decision-making process. Contribute actively by becoming a member of an environmental club, association or other type of civil society platform.