Imagine waking up to find the soil can no longer grow crops and the water has run dry. For millions of people, this is becoming a reality. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought shines a light on how land degradation and climate change are reshaping lives, and why protecting our environment is essential not just for nature, but for people’s survival.
To mark World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Australia Awards is highlighting the work of Alcino Chemane from Mozambique, undertaking a Master of Environment and Climate Emergency at Curtin University. With more than a decade of experience in the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Alcino has seen firsthand the growing impacts of environmental change on vulnerable communities.
“Throughout my professional journey, I have witnessed how environmental degradation increasingly undermines food security and nutrition, particularly in vulnerable communities that depend heavily on natural resources such as water, land, and fisheries for their livelihoods.”
Motivated by these challenges, Alcino chose to deepen his expertise through further study.
“I realised that limited knowledge and capacity in climate change adaptation remain major barriers to sustainable development, especially amid an evolving global climate crisis.”
Through his studies, Alcino is building the skills needed to support practical, community-led solutions in Mozambique.
“In my field of work, I intend to apply the knowledge gained from this program to develop community-based approaches that improve environmental resilience and livelihoods.”
These approaches include strengthening natural ecosystems and sustainable practices that protect both people and the environment.
“Mozambique is highly vulnerable to climate hazards, including cyclones, floods, and droughts… In the face of such climate-related disasters, adaptive solutions are critical to saving lives and protecting livelihoods.”
Alcino believes the knowledge gained through his scholarship will help strengthen climate adaptation and policy development in Mozambique.
“The Australia Awards Scholarship is providing me with a valuable opportunity to achieve these goals by equipping me with the necessary knowledge, skills, and international exposure.”
For Alcino, climate action is urgent and collective.
“The time to act is now! Climate change is an ongoing global challenge that can only be addressed through collective action by individuals, communities, and governments.”
