IFM Hosts ESG Delegation from FMO and CAP

Investimento Florestal de Moçambique (IFM) recently welcomed an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) delegation from Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO and African forestry fund manager Criterion Africa Partners (CAP) for a two-day site visit to its plantation and conservation operations in Muanza District, Sofala Province.

The visiting team included Anna Jellema, Zoe Lees and Sebastiaan Buijs from FMO, alongside Karen Kirkman and Jim Heyes from CAP. The visit formed part of ongoing ESG engagement and oversight, reinforcing a shared commitment to responsible forestry development, community partnership, and biodiversity stewardship.

A key component of the visit was a direct engagement session with local community leaders. Discussions focused on IFM’s long-standing relationship with surrounding communities and the broader socio-economic impact of its operations.

Community representatives highlighted IFM’s support in infrastructure development projects, particularly assistance with repairs following severe cyclone damage. Leaders also expressed encouragement for IFM to expand operations to strengthen local employment opportunities.

The dialogue also acknowledged the challenges faced during a recent financing crisis, which led to workforce retrenchments and a reduction in local economic activity. IFM management confirmed that this situation is being addressed, with operational recovery underway and improved employment prospects anticipated during 2026.

The delegation also explored IFM’s integrated land management model. Approximately 50% of IFM’s DUAT lease area is allocated to actively managed conservation zones and Miombo woodland restoration.

This balanced approach reflects IFM’s commitment to maintaining ecological integrity while creating economic value. Plantation forestry operations generate employment and financial stability in surrounding communities, reducing reliance on slash-and-burn agriculture and charcoal production — practices historically linked to woodland degradation.

By aligning commercial forestry with conservation and community development, IFM continues to strengthen its long-term ESG framework and sustainable land-use strategy.