The WIO-COMPAS Programme marked a historic achievement in April 2025 by holding its first-ever Portuguese language certification event in Maputo, Mozambique — a significant step in strengthening regional marine conservation through inclusive, multilingual engagement.
Building Regional Capacity in Portuguese-Speaking Countries
Funded by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, this landmark event was designed to boost marine conservation capacity among Portuguese-speaking MPA professionals. The initiative reflects WIO-COMPAS’s growing commitment to making certification more accessible across the Western Indian Ocean region.
Workshop and Stakeholder Engagement
The week began with a workshop for 20 participants, including:
- Eugénio Manhica, Director of Conservation at the National Administration for Conservation Areas
- Representatives from BIOFUND
- MPA professionals, co-management agencies, and local stakeholders
This session introduced the WIO-COMPAS framework, clarified the certification process, and facilitated discussions around potential barriers to participation. Stakeholders provided key insights to guide the development of future Portuguese-language certification activities.
Candidate Assessments and Case Studies
Three candidates participated in the certification process, presenting workplace case studies that highlighted real-world field experience and MPA management strategies.
Assessments included:
- Portfolio presentations
- Written tests
- Peer discussions
- Face-to-face interviews with certified assessors
Two New MPA PROs Join the Network
At the conclusion of the event, two candidates were officially certified as WIO-COMPAS MPA Professionals:
- Karen Allen, Nautilus South Africa
- Vanessa Muianga, Parque Nacional de Maputo
This brings the total number of certified professionals in the WIO region to 151 — a growing network of dedicated marine leaders.
Field Visits to Inhaca Island and Maputo National Park
Participants also had the opportunity to engage in field visits to:
- Inhaca Island
- Maputo National Park
These excursions enriched the learning experience by showcasing local marine ecosystems and conservation challenges, reinforcing the practical knowledge required for certification.
Laying the Groundwork for the Future
This inaugural Portuguese-language event is more than a milestone — it’s a strategic investment in local leadership and language equity. It sets a strong precedent for future training and certification efforts across Lusophone countries in the Western Indian Ocean.
“By delivering certification in Portuguese, WIO-COMPAS is ensuring that language is not a barrier to professional growth and regional conservation impact.”
– WIO-COMPAS Secretariat
