A meeting between systems: Mozambique visits the Italian Civil Protection system

Today marks the beginning of a week of institutional and scientific exchange between Mozambique and Italy, within the framework of the Ready2Act project, aimed at jointly strengthening the culture of preparedness and disaster response.

There is a moment, in international cooperation, when relationships built over time at a distance find a "physical" space for encounter and dialogue. An opportunity for exchange, reflection, and technical discussion. This is the driving force behind the visit to Italy of Mozambique's high-level delegation, which for five days will be hosted by the Italian Civil Protection System. The program includes Rome, Genoa, and Savona, and carries with it a long-standing history of collaboration among institutions, technical bodies, and organizations committed to risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Among the scheduled stops: a visit to the Department of Civil Protection and the Functional Centre of the Liguria Region, meetings with the Civil Protection Service of the Municipality of Genoa, and an entire day dedicated to CIMA Research Foundation. At the core: inter-institutional coordination, multi-hazard early warning, operational protocols, data integration, and the development of shared procedures.

The visit is part of the Ready2Act project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by INGD - the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management of Mozambique, in partnership with CIMA Research Foundation, with the collaboration of WeWorld and the strategic support of the Italian Department of Civil Protection. The project focuses on strengthening the coordination mechanisms and operational capacities of the Mozambican Civil Protection System, with particular attention to the functioning of CENOE, the National Emergency Operations Centre.

Understanding the system to strengthen the network

For the members of the delegation, representing INGD, INAM (National Institute of Meteorology), and DNGRH (National Directorate for Water Resources Management), the Italian week is an opportunity to explore firsthand the functioning of the Italian early warning and response system across national, regional, and local levels. Among them is H.E. Luisa Celma Meque, President of INGD, who will meet with Fabio Ciciliano, Head of the Italian Department of Civil Protection, for a direct institutional dialogue at the highest level.

"We are proud to support this high-level mission, which strengthens a partnership built over time between Italy and Mozambique," stated Marco Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. "With Ready2Act we want to invest not only in tools and infrastructure, but above all in strong institutional relations and lasting local capacities. This is how development cooperation becomes tangible: transforming preparedness into the protection of human lives and into resilient development for the most exposed communities. From this perspective, the Italian system represents a reference model, as it is based on integration and interoperability of all actors."

"This visit is the result of a relationship built over time, based on mutual trust and respect for expertise," declared Luca Ferraris, President of CIMA Research Foundation. "This is not only about capacity building, but about a process of shared learning: because preparedness, cooperation, and response to climate-related risks are global challenges, requiring strong alliances and continuity."

"Our work in Mozambique shows that relief alone is not enough: building local capacity means equipping communities with the tools to anticipate, prevent, and adapt to climate emergencies. It means investing in training, forests, resilient agriculture, and participatory governance so that people are no longer only victims, but agents of change," said Stefania Piccinelli, Director of International Programs at WeWorld.

For this reason, the day at CIMA Research Foundation will be entirely dedicated to the technical-scientific dimension of Ready2Act: hydro-meteorological monitoring systems, hydrological modelling, spatial information management, simulations, and decision support. The Foundation will also present its contributions to the continental AMHEWAS - Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System, promoted by the African Union Commission (AUC) with the support of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

The strength of preparedness

In a global context marked by an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme events, Mozambique is one of the countries most exposed to hydro-meteorological risks. In this scenario, Ready2Act aims to strengthen the country's operational structures, both at national and provincial levels, improving forecasting tools, coordination capacities, and data management. A crucial milestone of the project is the establishment of the new National Operations Room of CENOE (Sala de Situações do CENOE), to be inaugurated in late September 2025, and its connection to the AMHEWAS network, making Mozambique an active node in the continental early warning system.

The adopted approach emphasizes the interaction between technology and human expertise. Alongside the introduction of integrated platforms such as myDEWETRA, which enables real-time visualization and analysis of risk data, training courses have been launched for over 60 operators, aimed at building a system capable of anticipating critical scenarios, issuing timely alerts, and responding effectively.

"Technological innovation is central, but not sufficient," explained Alessandro Masoero, Associate Director of CIMA Research Foundation. "What is needed is the ability to adapt systems to territories, institutions, and communities. It is in this balance between science, context, and relationships that a civil protection system finds its strength."

A shared path looking ahead

The visit of the Mozambican delegation represents a key milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. An opportunity to compare models, challenges, and tools, with the common goal of making territories more resilient and institutions more prepared.

Throughout the week, project partners will also be actively involved, starting with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and WeWorld, whose role is central in facilitating strategic dialogue among different actors and ensuring the long-term sustainability of actions.

Ready2Act thus continues its path of exchange and reinforcement. Today in Italy, tomorrow again in Mozambique. With a clear objective: building capacity before emergencies strike.