Our Team Grows

2026 is set to a big year for the Malamba-Mazuene Coastal Collaborative and we are very proud to announce the arrival of two highly experienced and dedicated team members - Elizabeth Mariza, Samuel Mondlane, and Gizela Machatine.

ELISABETH ALFREDO MARIZA is our new Seascape Community Program Officer.

As an entrepreneur and mother with a nursing background, Elizabeth brings a lifetime of experience in business development, women's empowerment & leadership, and wellbeing to her work at MCC.

Elizabeth is helping oversee the launch and implementation of  a ProAzul, European Union, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) funded consortium called "Co-creating a Thriving Seascape: Forging a New LMMA Network, Strengthening Community Governance and Women's Leadership, & Sustaining Blue Economy Livelihoods in Inhambane, Mozambique.” Her role focuses on growing and strengthening the entrepreneurship and leadership of coastal women, and supporting and sustaining youth eco literacy, wellbeing and development.  Elizabeth is fluent in Chitswa, English, and Portuguese.

SAMUEL MONDLANE joins us as our Community-led Restoration & Governance Specialist. A position made possible by Mission Blue and Fauna & Flora Mozambique.

With a degree in Social Sciences from Bangalore University, India, and over 15 years of experience working with NGOs, community-based organizations, and national and international platforms and networks, Samuel hs built a career at the intersection of environmental defense, social justice, and community development. Samuel has extensive and deep experience in engaging local communities, including fisheries committees, developing income-generating projects, implementing educational and awareness programs, and training youth and women leaders to become active agents of change. He halso represented Mozambican communities in global processes, including multiple UNFCCC/COPs, amplifying local voices in international climate and energy debates as well as at the Oilwatch Africa and FishNet alliance.

Samuel is driven by the vision of more prosperous marine landscapes, where resilient communities and inspiring local leaders are at the forefront of protecting ecosystems, advancing social justice, and building sustainable development alternatives.

GIZELA CAROLINA MACHATINE joins NATURA's Head Office in Maputp as a Finance Specialist. Her position is also supported by ProAzul, the European Union, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

She is a professional in the administrative and accounting field, with a secondary education in Accounting and Auditing and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Taxation. She has experience as an Accounting Assistant and Administrative Assistant, having worked in private companies, accounting consultancies, educational institutions, and health projects. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong passion for process organization, financial control, and administrative support. She is recognized for her responsibility, honesty, and results-oriented approach, maintaining a constant commitment to learning and professional growth.