IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Forest resources and poverty alleviation: a new partnership in Mozambique

05 May 2010 | News story

IUCN’s Mozambique country office has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Institute for Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (IPEME) to establish and operate a community-managed sandalwood bank in the district of Matutuine-Djabula for processing and trade of wood that will initially be targeted at Maputo-based artisans.

Signed in Maputo, Mozambique, the MoU establishes the partnership framework between IUCN and IPEME under the Livelihoods and Landscapes Strategy (LLS), which is supported by the Dutch Development Agency (DGIS). 

A major aim is to provide evidence on the importance and the role of forest resources and ecosystems in poverty alleviation as well as on the sustainable and improved social and economic well-being of rural communities. 

Hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Mozambique, IPEME’s mandate is to promote and stimulate the establishment of micro, small and medium enterprises in line with the Strategy for Rural Industrialization in Mozambique. 

IPEME will provide support through development and implementation of participatory business plans and marketing strategies, training, and transfer of technologies adaptable to the rural context. IUCN and IPEME will use this unique opportunity to use Djabula Sandalwood Bank as a pilot and demonstration center for the development of rural industries.