Abstract

Mozambique and Angola are two of the most biodiverse countries in Africa. This high level of biodiversity is an undocumented, crucial, but often unsustainably harnessed source of local livelihoods, especially in rural areas. Moreover, its exploitation has been exacerbated by decades of predatory colonialism, years of civil war, a general lack of research and policy capacity, and a language barrier between the two countries and the rest of the continent.

Mindful of the potential benefit of sustainable use of biodiversity in these countries, IDRC would like to see Lusophone analysts and policymakers more involved in existing and emerging sustainable development networks. This grant will support an information- gathering exercise that will include a survey of perceived needs and priorities in the area of sustainable use of biodiversity in the two countries and a workshop to bring together key players from the two countries and the sub-region. The aim is to discuss the findings of the survey and to agree on strategic research entry points for IDRC and other donor support. Outputs of the exercise will include a report; a directory of key institutions, researchers and policymakers; and possibly one or more draft proposals for funding consideration.

Recipient Institution(s)