UniLúrio and TotalEnergies join efforts to restore coral reefs and develop sustainable fisheries in Cabo Delgado

Universidade Lúrio (UniLúrio) and TotalEnergies EP Mozambique Área 1 Limitada, as operator of the Mozambique LNG project, yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with a view to implement a reef restoration project coral reefs and sustainable fisheries development in Cabo Delgado province. The project has an initial duration of three years and is budgeted at US$450,000 to be disbursed by the Mozambique LNG project.

The project, which covers the localities of Pemba, Maringanha, Wimbe and Gimpia, aims, in particular, at restoring coral reefs, improving the health of ecosystems, setting up nurseries and coral spiders, building artificial reefs and the increase of sustainable fishing techniques, as well as the promotion of ecological tourism.

During the memorandum signing ceremony, the Secretary of State for the Province of Cabo Delgado, António Supeia, stated that “this memorandum is an unequivocal sign of openness and alignment of our partners, in this case TotalEnergies and UniLúrio, in the implementation of such importance as this, whose objective is, without a doubt, to involve the private sector in the process of development and strengthening of the capacities of our higher education institutions in a sustainable way. The implementation of this project will mean the creation of space for greater interaction with various actors in the design and implementation of joint programs in the fields of student training, monitoring of coral reefs, training of fishermen in the promotion of coral reefs, community on coral reef conservation and tourism promotion, including improving ecosystem health.”

The Dean of UniLúrio, Leda Hugo, said: “I would like to express the satisfaction and honor of Universidade Lúrio for ensuring this support from TotalEnergies, in the form of funding for UniLúrio to, over the next three years, develop this project, contributing to the rapid recovery of coral reefs in Pemba Bay for sustainable fishing in communities and for the improvement of teaching, research and extension in these areas at our university”.

In his turn, Maxime Rabilloud, General Manager of TotalEnergies, considered that “the signed memorandum is the testimony that TotalEnergies recognizes the important role of academia in the development of the country. By supporting this project to be implemented by UniLúrio, we want to contribute to the sustainable development of the country, in general, and of Cabo Delgado, in particular. This is a commitment that is in line with the company’s adherence to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including, of course, those related to the conservation of biodiversity . Environmental issues are a central part of our sustainability agenda. This memorandum now signed reflects this centrality and is a testament to the support we provide, on a global scale, to activities that include awareness of biodiversity, training of young people and research actions , as well as the dissemination of sustainable fishing practices or use of forest products.”

It should be noted that this partnership between TotalEnergies and UniLúrio will allow UniLúrio to train around 100 students in marine sciences, with a special focus on coral reefs and their monitoring, and in diving activities, as well as train 100 people from local communities in sustainable fishing techniques and ecotourism.

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables, and electricity. Our 105,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable, and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

Media relations:

Faizal Raimo – +258 848450013 fraimo@unlurio.ac.mz or dci@unilurio.ac.mz
Hélder Ossemane – +258 82 323 4200 or helder.ossemane@external.totalenergies.com