Mozambique forestry stakeholders unite to shape strategic plan for decent work and sustainability

CHIMOIO, Mozambique (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), through the Swedish-funded MozTrabalha Project, in collaboration with the Mozambique Federation of Forestry Operators (Federação Moçambicana de Operadores Florestais, FEDEMOMA), the Directorate-General for Forestry, and the ILO Multinational Enterprises and Responsible Business Conduct Unit (ILO MULTI Unit), organised a four-day training in Chimoio to strengthen capacity in Mozambique’s forestry sector.

The training, which was held from 10 to 13 November 2025, brought together 50 participants from Niassa, Sofala, and Manica provinces, including wood operators, workers, and government officials.

The training focused on: Responsible business conduct aligned with the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration); fundamental principles and rights at work; Practical application of the ILO code of practice on safety and health in forestry work; and use of ILO helpdesk for business tools and factsheets.

Participants jointly co-designed a new strategic plan for the native forestry sector, ensuring that decent work, sustainability, and social dialogue are central to future development.

This initiative reflects the principles of Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and contributes to SDG Goal 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing technical and managerial skills.

During the meeting, parallel sessions were organized for workers on similar topics. The ILO will continue working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Manpower to develop a dedicated Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulation for the forestry sector, among other initiatives.