Denise NICOLAU

Denise Nicolau is a Mozambican ecologist that holds a Master's degree in Aquatic Biology and Coastal Ecosystems from Universidade Eduardo Mondlane in Mozambique. Filled with the sense of learning, growing and achieving impact at scale, she recently joined IUCN as the Regional Coastal and Ocean Manager for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region in Africa under the Great Blue Wall initiative – that seeks to create and accelerate the development of climate-nature-people positive economy by 2030.

Her role as the Biodiversity Offsets Program Coordinator at BIOFUND in Mozambique and Marine Senior Officer at WWF honed her skills in strategic planning, project management, policy and advocacy, and research, laying the foundation for her leadership in the field. Denise's impact transcends conservation boundaries; she fosters collaboration among stakeholders spanning government bodies, academia, private sector, NGOs, and local communities.

Her efforts have resulted in tangible outcomes, including the development of crucial policy frameworks for Mitigation hierarchy in Mozambique, delineation of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), Mangrove and Corals Strategy and Action Plans, MSP, NBSAP, National Historical Ecosystem Map, Blue Carbon Framework, and innovative financing tools for biodiversity conservation.

Denise's commitment extends to her affiliations with IUCN's thematic groups and WIO Mangrove Regional Network (WIOMN) and contributing author of the Global Mangrove Restoration Tracking Tool (MRTT) reflecting her holistic approach to conservation.

Driven by passion for nature and a belief in collective action, her unwavering dedication and solution-oriented mindset epitomize the ethos of environmental stewardship, shaping a sustainable future in the WIO region and beyond.

Denise is also a Wildlife photography enthusiast and the winner of the USAID Biodiversity Photo Contest 2023.