Projects - Verde Azul

Environmental Impact of “Montebelo Milibangalala Bay Resort”

Posted on September 23, 2020April 28, 2021 by Webdev

Environmental Impact of “Montebelo Milibangalala Bay Resort”

Client – Grupo Visabeira
Location – Maputo Reserve – Matutuíne – Mozambique
Year – 2014
Time – 8 months

This project resulted in the Environmental Impact Study for the construction of an Eco-Lodge in the Maputo reserve (3000 ha) in the district of Matutuine.

This resulted in the following actions:

Report of the survey to the Ministry of the Environment, in order to define the level of potential impact (Category A, B or C);
Pre-Environmental Feasibility Study (EPDA) for approval by the Ministry of Environment;
Environmental Impact Study (RIMA), which includes the collection of data and assessments (socio – economic, terrestrial and marine, flora and fauna; coordination of community participation and public participation), as well as the Environmental Management Plan;
Implementation of HIV and gender guidelines;
Assist in liaising with the customer to acquire the Environmental License;

Preparation of Support for the Millennium Challenge to Environmental and Social Projects in Northern Mozambique

Posted on September 23, 2020April 28, 2021 by Webdev

Preparation of Support for the Millennium Challenge to Environmental and Social Projects in Northern Mozambique

Client – Ministry of the Environment and UNIDO / MICOA
Location – Northern Mozambique
Year – 2010
Time – 1 year

Verde Azul was contracted by UNIDO / MICOA to support the Government of Mozambique in the preparation of the US-funded grant to Mozambique, under the Millennium Challenge Corporation initiative.

This was a process that started in 2004, when Mozambique was chosen as a candidate for an MCC preparation. The projects were approved in 2009-2010 for a total of USD 500 million.

The work was coordinated by the local unit of the Millennium Challenge Account – MCA, with the main objective of reviewing the project portfolio in terms of national and international legal scope (MCC, GoM and World Bank good environmental, social and resettlement practices), as well as categorize projects into classes of Environmental Assessments (related to the impact and need for environmental and social mitigation measures).

Propose actions to achieve the goals, as well as the elaboration of memoranda of understanding with the various government implementation units (ANE, FIPAG, MICOA, DNAIA, DINACOT).

One of the central points was to ensure that the project portfolio could be implemented and completed within 5 years.

Verde Azul worked with several institutions and due diligence teams.

Verde Azul carried out the review of preliminary studies and assistance in the preparation and initial design phase of the Compact’s environmental and social components.

Verde Azul worked with MICOA to prepare a training plan and helped identify human resource training programs that would be suitable for MCA-supported provinces (Niassa, Nampula, Zambézia and Cabo Delgado).

HIV Monitoring, Evaluation and Evolution

Posted on September 23, 2020April 28, 2021 by Webdev

HIV Monitoring, Evaluation and Evolution

Client – CAP AED Mozambique / FHI356
Location – Maputo, Sofala, Manica, Zambézia and Nampula – Mozambique
Year – 2010 – 2012
Time – 2 years

The main objective of the study was to obtain reference data on knowledge, attitudes and practices related to HIV / AIDS interventions implemented by AED.

The aim was to allow the EDA and its partners to adjust their activities based on the effectiveness and impact of the projects. The study was carried out at the level of the city of Maputo. The target audience was drug users and sex workers. The quantitative study used a statistically representative sample in the provinces of Maputo, Sofala, Manica, Zambézia and Nampula.

Specifically, the study focused on:

Determination of the socio-demographic characteristics of the target population;
Evaluation of sexual practices and behaviors, and their implications for the prevention and control of HIV / AIDS;
Assessment of levels of knowledge about HIV / AIDS, to allow the creation or improvement of various interventions in order to prevent and control HIV;
Evaluation of attitudes and practices in relation to HIV / AIDS, to allow the creation or improvement of various interventions aimed at the prevention and control of HIV prevalence.

Protecting Land Use Rights (DUAT) in Mozambique

Posted on September 23, 2020April 28, 2021 by Webdev

Protecting Land Use Rights (DUAT) in Mozambique

Client – National Directorate of Land and Forestry (DNTF)
Location – Mozambique
Year – 2014 – 2015
Time – 1 year

This project was a study that will serve as a basis for the elaboration of a proposal to simplify the procedures for the process of acquisition of Land Use (DUAT – Rights) that reduces barriers, bureaucracy, improves transparency and accountability, being compatible with the information system in DNTF (Sigit).

The new system aims to reduce time, risk and share information between different entities for Land Use (Municipalities, rural areas, coastal protection areas, mining, etc.) and infrastructure registration (Land Register) producing thus, a formal document of high value for the end user. A value that protects land rights and participation in the market economy.

In this context, it resulted in a bibliography review, data collection, procedural consultations, consultations with different stakeholders at district, provincial and central level, capitalizing on the RDUAT -LTR experience of the MCA project and the respective mapping.

Southern Sun Hotel Maputo Environmental Impact – Expansion Project

Posted on September 23, 2020April 28, 2021 by Webdev

Southern Sun Hotel Maputo Environmental Impact – Expansion Project

Client – Southern Sun Mozambique
Location – Maputo City
Year – 2014
Time – 3 months

Environmental Assessment and Management Plan with a view to revalidating the Environmental License of the Hotel Southern Sun Maputo, Mozambique, for the expansion of the hotel within a construction area of approximately 7,500 m2 in a coastal area of 1.44 hectares. This expansion was designed for commercial and residential installations.

Verde Azul was responsible for the following:

Report to the Ministry of the Environment that defined the level of impact in category B (requires a simplified study);
Presentation of Terms of Reference for the Evaluation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and collection of socio-economic data;
Simplified Environmental Study (EAS) and an Environmental Management Plan, which was approved by the Ministry of the Environment;
Design and implementation of the Environment and Educational Program for hygiene and HIV and implementation of Gender;
Monitoring the application and liaising with the Ministry of the Environment to acquire an environmental license.

Technical Assistance for Reducing Bureaucracy for CTA in Mozambique

Posted on September 23, 2020April 28, 2021 by Webdev

Technical Assistance for Reducing Bureaucracy for CTA in Mozambique

Client – SIDA
Location – Mozambique
Year – 2003 – 2007
Time – 5 years

Verde Azul provided technical support services to the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) to reduce bureaucracy barriers and promote business relations between Mozambique and the Nordic countries over a period of 5 years. The financial support involved by CTA was around USD 1.6 million, this funding being applied with the aim of reducing poverty through job creation and business growth.

It had 4 immediate objectives:

1) Strengthen the CTA;

2) Public promotion of private initiatives;

3) Create and strengthen the Arbitration Center;

4) Provide Project Management and Coordination;

Verde Azul coordinated the project and supported fund management.

Verde Azul made sure that the procurement of goods and services complied with AIDS rules and regulations. Verde Azul held regular strategic meetings with the client and the financiers.

This project allowed CTA to find solutions to reduce by 25% the existing barriers identified by investors, as the main obstacles to a good business environment.

Impact of the Lethal Yellowing Disease of the Coconut Tree in Zambézia and South of Nampula

Posted on September 23, 2020April 28, 2021 by Webdev

Impact of the Lethal Yellowing Disease of the Coconut Tree in Zambézia and South of Nampula

Client – MCA
Location – Nampula and Zambézia – Mozambique
Year – 2012
Time – 9 months

The aim of the project was to understand and quantify how CLYD and the Oryctes infestation can affect the farming system, livelihood, family income and food security for small farmers, and to develop impact scenarios based on levels of disease and pest infestation in the coastal districts of Zambézia and Nampula.

Verde Azul collected data through several instruments:

Geo-referencing, observation and collection of economic and social data through questionnaires to families;
Description of existing family farming systems;
Description and quantification of aspects related to the families’ source of income, with an emphasis on coconut and its derived products;
Description of issues related to food security.

Verde Azul developed several scenarios that differentiated between the different strata of income levels, measured the impact and the probable economic losses of different degrees of diseases and infestation by pest.

Verde Azul validated the impact of each LAC model and pest management in terms of loss of income generation in the affected communities.

Safe and Inclusive Land Management and Administration in Mozambique: Capacity Building of National and Provincial Authorities

Posted on September 23, 2020April 28, 2021 by Webdev

Safe and Inclusive Land Management and Administration in Mozambique: Capacity Building of National and Provincial Authorities

Client – National Directorate of Land and Forestry (DNTF)
Location – Mozambique
Year – 2014 -2018
Time – 4 years in development

Verde Azul is implementing a Land Management and Administration Program in Mozambique. This project started in 2014 and will end in 2018, with a continuous duration of 5 years.

Gesterra is designed to provide ongoing support to some of the activities launched by the “Access to Land” of the MCA project in which Verde Azul was a key player (the MCA project ended in late 2013).

A key objective of this program is to reinforce DINAT (ex-DNTF) in its role as a coordinating organization in land management and administration, and maintaining the National Land Registry (CNT).

This project has the following components:

Improve land management at the Land Consultative Forum, district land authorities (SPGC) and National Land Authorities (DNTF). It is intended that the delimitation of lands, land tenure regularization and spatial planning are processes planned and developed at the local level and with investment promotion services;
Consolidate land administration and build the national land registry, expanding the provision of land management services to the ten provinces of Mozambique.

The aim / outcome of the program is to improve the national capacity to provide sustainable land governance and to promote an integrated vision of land administration and management / use that responds to the needs of all land users, providing clear and secure rights (DUAT) that they can facilitate new investment choices and decisions and improve food security.

Tourism Development in Chemucane – Maputo Special Reserve

Posted on September 23, 2020April 28, 2021 by Webdev

Tourism Development in Chemucane – Maputo Special Reserve

Client – Bell Foundation Trust
Location – Maputo Province – Mozambique
Year – 2011
Time – 4 months

Environmental Impact Study for the “construction of a community Lodge” under a special license issued by the National Conservation Authority (DNAC) for an association called Ahi Zameni Chemucane.

The investment is financed by the Bell Foundation and involves the conservation of an area of about 800 hectares.

Verde Azul was responsible for:

Socio-economic data for terrestrial and marine fauna and flora;
Preparation of the Environmental Pre-Feasibility report followed by the terms of reference (EPDA and TOR);
Environmental impact study and management plan presented to the Bell Foundation for internal discussion;
Presentation of EIA (final report) to the Ministry of Environment;
Assistance to the Client and the Ministry of the Environment for approval of the environmental license.

Inclusive Economic Growth through the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Niassa Province: Malonda Program

Posted on September 22, 2020April 28, 2021 by Webdev

Inclusive Economic Growth through the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Niassa Province: Malonda Program

Client – Government of Niassa and SIDA
Location – Niassa – Mozambique
Year – 2000 – 2007
Time – 7 years

Verde Azul was instrumental in the development and management of the Malonda Program, a private sector development program in the province of Niassa, Mozambique. The program was funded by the Government of Mozambique and the Swedish Cooperation Agency for International Development.

Verde Azul presented proposals to subsequently establish a sustainable institutional structure for the Malonda Program.

The Malonda Foundation established as essential services in its area of activity: providing support to local communities by increasing the efficiency of companies related to reducing barriers to bureaucracy; risk and transactions established at the Malonda Foundation.

During the management of Verde Azul, five forestry companies were certified by FSC, which started operations in Niassa, in partnership with Malonda. They are currently implementing a planned management to reforest more than 500,000 ha of degraded land. More than 3,000 new direct jobs have been created by 2007. This path is expected to continue in order to reach at least 15,000 new jobs within ten years. From here, the implementation of several companies took place and the railroad was restructured.

A large protected area of 110,000 ha has been created, Monte Mosale, which is important for the protection of ecosystems and the biodiversity of the province.

Responsibilities included: design, execution, coordination, monitoring and planning, regular performance assessment (operational and financial) and reorientation of activities. It also involved identifying investment opportunities in collaboration with the Provincial Government and promoting investments and business negotiations with investors and stakeholders in Forestry, Agriculture, Tourism and Wildlife.

Subsequently, communities were assisted in how to plan the use of their land by external and independent experts, and VA also provided legal support. The communities decided to relinquish some of their rights in favor of implementing commercial establishments in exchange for job creation and infrastructure development.

Verde Azul developed a model for the recognition of collective rights and the communities were brought into direct relations with investors.

The process was implemented with the support of FAO, Fundação Aga Khan, TechnoServe and with independent experts such as Sevy Madureira do Brasil and Christopher Tanner from FAO providing guidance and support throughout the process.

The process for obtaining the right to use the land was implemented in accordance with the Mozambican land law (published in 1997).

Furthermore, it focused on a process of Free and Informed Consent regarding the delimitation of all areas that legally belong to local communities, as well as prioritizing the mapping of areas with high conservation value.

The Malonda strategy focused on respect for indigenous communities and their right to make informed and inclusive decisions. Local communities were encouraged to take charge of the speed and negotiation process in the various debates that led to the creation of the Malonda Foundation.

A Malonda Resource Center was opened in Maputo and a headquarters in Lichinga was created. Once the institutions were legalized and the board of directors held their first meetings, Verde Azul delivered the program to be carried out by the Administration and by an executive director and his team.