MUDAR

MUDAR is a decentralised cooperation project between PAT and the Municipality of Beira, Mozambique, aimed at strengthening local governance and promoting integrated urban development, with a focus on the informal neighbourhood of Macuti.

Through training, mentoring and peer-to-peer exchange of good practices, the project aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of the municipality, promoting inclusive and sustainable urban management and introducing digital tools and participatory practices. This strengthening translates into concrete interventions in Macuti: flood risk mitigation works, rehabilitation of road and drainage infrastructure, creation of recreational spaces, reforestation programmes and improvement of the waste collection system.

The integrated approach - based on community participation, digital innovation (ECO-Beira platform) and public-private partnerships - fosters greater trust between institutions and citizens, supporting the integration of the neighbourhood into the urban fabric and promoting local development and resilience.

In line with the objective of the European call, the project aims to promote integrated urban development through the empowerment of the Municipality of Beira/Conselho Municipal da Beira (CMB) in accordance with the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

WP1 Capacity Building - Strengthening the urban governance of the Municipality of Beira (CMB), enhancing its institutional capacity to provide more efficient and sustainable services and valorise local resources.

Through a structured system of training, mentoring and peer exchange, Council members, managers and technicians consolidate skills in inclusive urban management, local governance, public procurement and digital tools, according to a model that fosters knowledge transfer and continuity.

In parallel, Communities of Practice - involving institutions, Macuti residents and local and international partners - promote participatory planning, dialogue and collaboration. This approach strengthens the relationship between municipality and community and supports shared, inclusive and resilient urban development interventions.

Results:

• Implemented 6 training cycles on strengthening local governance.

• Trained 130 municipal officials, technicians, directors and councillors.

• Organised 1 Summer School, 2 study visits and 1 institutional exchange between Trentino and Mozambican local authorities.

WP2 Urban regeneration intervention in Macuti - Improvementof public services and quality of life in the informal neighbourhood of Macuti, with a focus on urban resilience, green spaces and waste management.

The project develops interventions based on an in-depth analysis of the neighbourhood, involving residents, institutions and youth groups in participatory processes. Both structural and non-structural solutions combine technical rigour and community priorities, including roads, flood retention basins, recreational spaces, waste collection systems and tree planting. Activities are accompanied by awareness-raising campaigns and participatory monitoring tools, enhancing safety, accessibility and trust in institutions.

The project experience has been systematised and widely shared through scientific publications, international conferences, institutional events and educational activities, contributing to academic training and research on informal urbanisation, nature-based solutions and urban resilience. This approach demonstrates how integrated and participatory interventions can improve services, enhance green spaces and integrate informal settlements into the urban fabric in a sustainable and durable way.

Results:

• Redeveloped a total area of 8,686 m², including:

  - Construction of an 823 m road (area of 4,115 m²);

  - Creation of a 696 m² recreation area;

  - Creation of 2 retention ponds with a total area of 3,875 m².

• Planted 626 trees.

• Implemented a door-to-door waste collection system.

• Carried out cleaning, awareness and environmental education campaigns involving over 50 young people in the Macuti district.

• Carried out science dissemination activities with:

  - Participation in 6 international conferences;

  - Publication of 1 scientific article;

• - Production of 2 studies on redevelopment interventions and 2 thematic in-depth studies;

  - Elaboration of 2 master's theses.

WP3 Digital Solutions and PPP - Promotion ofdigitaltransitionand job creation, with a focus on opportunities related to the circular economy.

The project supports local prosperity through innovative initiatives, developing digital tools such as the ECO-Beira platform(https://ecobeira.co.mz/), designed to improve communication between municipality and citizens and optimise the waste collection service in particular. The platform integrates notifications, educational campaigns and monitoring tools, with the possibility of expansion to other public services.

The activation of two public-private partnerships with local companies and associations support the implementation of the platform and waste collection, generating sustainable employment and strengthening institutional capacities. The approach combines digital innovation, circular economy and participatory governance, extending the impact of urban regeneration beyond the physical infrastructure.

Results:

• Developed a digital platform to facilitate communication between municipality and citizens on waste collection.
• 2 public-private partnerships signed.