This year we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science with the theme “Female Leadership in Science: A New Era for Sustainability,” and the sub-theme “Think of Science… Think of Peace” recognizing the role of women and girls in science, not only as agents of change but also as promoters of peace.
In this context, we want to tell the life story of Nádia Muchanga, a young marine biologist working in Inhaca who recently participated in the Summer School, a 5-week university exchange program in Italy and Mozambique, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The program involved Mozambican and Italian students, with a focus on studying and conserving mangroves.
The conservation of marine ecosystems is essential for human and marine survival. Nádia Muchanga, a graduate in Marine Biology and currently studying biology and conservation ecology, has worked with coastal communities on Inhaca Island in Mozambique to promote sustainable fisheries management and address challenges such as resource scarcity.
One conservation measure implemented by Nádia and her team was the establishment of fishing prohibited zones, which involve closing fishing activities for a certain period, especially during peak species reproduction. However, these restrictions can lead to conflicts, generating the need to find alternative sources of livelihood for local communities.
To ensure understanding, social peace, and collaboration among communities, Nádia emphasizes the importance of scientific knowledge, particularly environmental education. Through focus groups and the dissemination of scientific information on the need for fishing prohibited zones and ecosystem conservation, secondary school children have become not only awareness agents but also biodiversity conservation agents and promoters of peace in Inhaca.
Awareness of natural resource conservation is not limited to local communities. During her participation in the Summer School at the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” Italy, organized through the Mangrowth program[1] last year, Nádia noticed differences in the scientific analysis between Italian students and her Mozambican colleagues. While theory was well developed in Mozambique, practical experience in laboratories was limited. She said, “I was impressed by the quantity and variety of laboratories where my Italian colleagues can put theory into practice, so I welcome with great joy the initiative of Italian Cooperation with Eduardo Mondlane University to provide us access to high-quality laboratories, like the one planned on Inhaca Island, with opening expected by the end of this year.”
This exchange of knowledge, experiences, and culture has enabled the building of a collaboration network among students, who continue to work together even after the conclusion of the Summer School. An example of this collaboration is a study they are jointly developing on the types of fish found in mangroves, which will be presented at the Marine Biodiversity Conference scheduled for June 2024 in Nacala.
The learning acquired during the Summer School has also contributed to formulating proposals for environmental conservation. Nádia and her team have drafted a carbon decree to quantify the amount of carbon that can be absorbed in Inhaca. This proposal aims to present the mangrove ecosystem and generate benefits for local communities. Environmental education plays a fundamental role in this process, raising awareness in the community about the importance of ecosystems and encouraging the conservation of these natural resources.
Establishing peace is crucial for promoting ecosystem conservation and preservation. It is only in peaceful environments that environmental protection can be effective and valuable. Therefore, environmental education is extremely important to ensure the preservation of ecosystems for future generations.
Nádia acknowledges the crucial role of AICS in environmental education, allowing diverse cultures to come together for conservation. The program developed by the agency promotes knowledge exchange and generates scientific benefits that are advantageous for the population as a whole. In 2024, AICS will continue to support the realization of a new Summer School, thus ensuring that future generations have continuous access to environmental education.
The young biologist also thanked the support of Italian Cooperation for women and girls in science, emphasizing that “it provides resources and opportunities that help promote gender equality and the advancement of women in scientific careers in Mozambique.”
Nádia Muchanga is an example of the important role that young Mozambican girls can play in promoting science for ecosystem conservation. “I hope my story inspires other young Mozambican girls to pursue scientific careers, thus contributing to the scientific and technological progress of the country.” On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Nádia also emphasized that “women bring unique perspectives that can lead to new discoveries and innovative solutions to challenges faced by Mozambique.”
[1] AICS, in collaboration with the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” UEM, and MIMAIP, is implementing the “Mangrowth Preservation of Ecosystems for Sustainable Development” program, focusing on Inhaca Island and Maputo Bay (AID. 12432). This is a €3 million program, approved in October 2021, which includes three components: institutional support and coordination; development of scientific capacity at the Marine Biology Station of Inhaca (EBMI) and improvement of its technical and scientific capacity to implement effective strategies for biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration, with a focus on mangrove habitats; and reforestation and management of mangroves in Maputo Bay and the development of income-generating activities.
