MAPUTO, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank announced on Thursday in Maputo to fund 45 million U.S. dollars for the effective management of conservation areas and improving the lives of local communities.

The World Bank's representative in Mozambique Mark Lundell said the organization he represents is committed to making conservation areas an investment destination.

"Sustainable resource management is key to reducing poverty and promoting prosperity," said Lundell, adding that the program will strengthen conservation and transform livelihoods of rural communities.

Minister of Land, Environment and Rural Development of Mozambique Celso Correia said the project will cover conservation areas in south and central Mozambique.

"The initiative incorporates credit lines to foster small businesses through the production of rural value chains around conservation areas, with the aim of reducing the pressure on biodiversity," said Correia.

Communities living around conservation areas claim that they have no other food resources except for hunting animals for consumption.

The minister said families around those areas will benefit from jobs that will be created through tourism and conservation agriculture.