Sapienza University of Rome, in collaboration with Eduardo Mondlane University of Maputo (Mozambique), announces the third edition of the Intensive Summer School Course “ManGrowth – Preservation of Ecosystems for Sustainable Development”. The course is organized with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) within the framework of the project “ManGrowth – Preservation of Ecosystems for Sustainable Development – AID 12342”.

The course focuses on the importance of mangrove forests as essential ecosystems for promoting the sustainable development of coastal areas, mitigating the effects of climate change, and conserving the plant and animal species that inhabit these environments.

The main objective of the course is to provide a broad and in-depth understanding of mangrove ecosystems, addressing topics related to biodiversity, ecology, ecosystem services, and sustainable use of mangroves, as well as the impacts of climate change and the challenges of their conservation.
Students will acquire technical skills for the monitoring and assessment of the conservation status of mangrove forests and their biodiversity. They will also develop critical and practical knowledge for designing and implementing mangrove ecosystem management and restoration programs.

During this highly intensive and immersive course, participants will study the physical and biological characteristics of mangrove forests, focusing on aspects related to diversity, distribution, structure, and conservation status. Special attention will be given to the ecology of Mozambique’s mangroves, the African country with the  second largest extent of mangrove forests, after Nigeria. In Mozambique, these valuable ecosystems cover more than 300,000 hectares along more than 3,000 km of coastline on the Indian Ocean.

As a crucial habitat for various plant and animal species, mangroves support rich biodiversity. The course will explore the biological communities inhabiting Mozambique’s coastal mangrove forests, evaluating their conservation status and the threats faced by estuarine fish, arthropods, and terrestrial vertebrates.

The course will also address the wide range of ecosystem services provided by mangroves: from climate change mitigation and coastal erosion control to the economic and social benefits associated with these forests.
Mangrove ecosystem services represent an irreplaceable resource for the livelihood and sustainable development of millions of people. It is estimated that globally at least 120 million people live in close connection with these ecosystems.

Given the many threats facing these ecosystems, the course will also explore management, restoration, and conservation strategies for Mozambican mangroves. It will provide knowledge of modern monitoring tools, data analysis techniques, vegetation assessment methods, reforestation practices, and the implementation of ecological restoration programs.

The course will combine lectures by international researchers and experts with fieldwork activities to apply acquired knowledge and gain hands-on experience in data collection for mangrove conservation assessment.
This part of the course will take place at the Inhaca Island Marine Biology Station (EBMI), in Maputo Bay, Mozambique.
Additionally, laboratory activities involving soil sample analysis will be conducted at the laboratories of Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo city.

Course activities will begin on October 8, 2025, and will conclude on November 6, 2025, as outlined in the Course Program.

The training involves a total of 190 hours, including lectures, laboratory sessions, exercises, personalized training, and field activities.

The course is organized into thematic modules. Each module includes both lectures and hands-on activities for all students. Group work projects will be carried out for each module. Each group, guided by its assigned instructor, is required to submit a final project report.

For all students not residing in Maputo, travel, food, and accommodation expenses will be covered by the “ManGrowth – Preservation of Ecosystems for Sustainable Development” project, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

Reductions or waivers of the registration fee will be communicated by the course secretariat to admitted participants.

For more information, please contact the course secretariat at: mangrowthcourse.dba@uniroma1.it

Applications must be sent to the same email address: mangrowthcourse.dba@uniroma1.it

For application procedures, please refer to the Call for Applications.

Required documents to attach: 1) Copy of passport (with at least 11 months of validity); 2) Degree certificate; 3) Curriculum Vitae; 4) Motivation letter, including your academic background and reasons for interest in the Summer School. Note: submitting a short video (max 1 min) in English is strongly encouraged, as it may enhance the candidate’s chances of selection.

Application deadline: July 7, 2025