Locally managed marine area practitioners come together to accelerate marine conservation in Mozambique

Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) play a critical role in the effective management of natural marine resources. With 60% of the Mozambican population relying on the country’s extensive coastline, notable effort has been made by the Government of Mozambique and local communities to conserve and sustainably use marine resources.

Nevertheless, people and nature in the Mozambican seascape face several challenges including effects of climate change, pollution (mainly from plastic), extreme weather events, unregulated and unreported illegal fishing, overexploitation of resources and habitat destruction. For LMMAs, there is a lack of proper infrastructure and post-harvest equipment, access to finance and market, and lack of understanding of legislation around LMMAs.

To empower and promote the exchange of experiences on LMMAs, IUCN Mozambique, through the ReSea and LEAP Projects and in partnership with the National Fisheries Administration (NFA) and the Blue Nature Alliance organized a peer exchange workshop in Vilanculos, Inhambane Province. Participants included government representatives, local communities (represented by the Community Fisheries Councils), non-governmental organizations and academics from Inhambane, Cabo Delgado and Maputo.

Led by Temóteo Mucavele, IUCN Mozambique’s Seascape Governance Officer, discussions centred around the status of LMMAs in Mozambique, challenges faced, opportunities available, and the role of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

A representative from the government outlined the requirements for establishing LMMAs, emphasizing the need to revitalize Community Fishing Councils (CCPs) and promote women's inclusion in leadership roles. However, bureaucratic hurdles, particularly the excessive documentation required, were identified as significant barriers to reaching the goal of conserving 30% of national territory by 2030 (The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 30x30 Target).

The workshop provided participants, particularly community representatives, a platform to share their experiences. Reflecting on the community fishing ban in Cabo Delgado, an NFA Fisheries representative noted the growing number of fish stocks and the sustainable fishing practices being used in the area.

“I hope to see more events like this to strengthen knowledge in our activities,” said Rafael João Jonasse, a fisherman from Inhassoro and president of the Mozambican Fishermen's Association of Inhassoro. “It was a valuable exchange of experiences.”

Arlete Macuacua Chibalo, a delegate from the National Administration of Conservation Areas, expressed her gratitude for the invitation to attend the forum, highlighting the valuable insights gained including the possibility of identifying areas and groups for OECMs.

Following the workshop, the Mozambique Declaration on LMMAs was drawn up. This lays out the status of LMMAs in Mozambique and the steps needed to accelerate their establishment.

About the ReSea Project:

The ReSea Project aims to increase the resilience of vulnerable and marginalized women, men and youth living in coastal communities in Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar and Comoros under the adverse effects of climate change events. In Mozambique, the project is being implemented in the districts of Vilanculo and Inhassoro, on the coast of Inhambane province, by IUCN, Mission Inclusion and Muleide with the support of Global Affairs Canada.

The ReSea project is anchored in the Great Blue Wall (GBW) initiative, led by the Western Indian Ocean and driven by Africa, whose aim is to significantly accelerate and expand ocean conservation actions, while increasing socio-ecological resilience and developing a regenerative blue economy, catalyzing leadership policies and financial support. This will be achieved by leading the establishment of a connected network of regenerative seascapes that are positive for nature and people, driving effective conservation and restoration measures anchored in the community, while promoting a regenerative blue economy. The ReSea project will activate, amplify and drive this leadership across the five seascapes, thus operationalizing and accelerating the Great Blue Wall Initiative.