Empowering Local Communities, Restoring ecosystems: IUCN LEAP Project Journey in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique

On April 21, in the city of Pemba, Cabo Delgado, the closing workshop of the LEAP Project took place in a high-level ceremony attended by His Excellency Valige Tauabo, Governor of Cabo Delgado Province, and other dignitaries and members of the Provincial government. The local project implementing partners, Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Associação do Meio Ambiente (AMA) were also in attendance along with other key project stakeholders including members of the target communities from Metuge and Mecufi districts where significant on-ground activities were implemented.

The Locally Empowered Area of Protection (LEAP) project is a regional initiative funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection (BMUV) is implemented in Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Seychelles. The LEAP project commenced in April 2019 and has been in closeout session this April 2025. The project aims to improve the management of coastal and marine biodiversity areas in the Western Indian Ocean through adoption of locally relevant protected or conservation area governance frameworks by national governments and non-state actors. The project implementing partners include CORDIO East Africa, Nature Seychelles, AKF and AMA.

The end-of-project event focused on the Mozambique component of the project which was the largest segment of the project. In Mozambique, the project was implemented in the Province of Cabo Delgado and focused on three key areas, aligned with the Great Blue Wall pillars: Blue Planet (governance) Blue Nature (conservation and restoration) and Blue People (economic transformation). It is an important initiative that has shown tangible leadership in all the areas implemented, demonstrated by the positive results in establishing, revitalizing and strengthening locally led management of adjacent coastal areas and ecosystems, diversification of livelihoods options, and improved capacities for local communities to conserve and restore critical ecosystems and marine resources. Of note is the fact that 10 Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) were supported, including co-developing and implementing management plans. Six management plans targeting six LMMA areas have been formally approved by the Provincial government. 

During the closing event, project results, success stories and lessons learnt were shared. A general overview of the project's success stories was presented by IUCN's Carla Manjate, followed by more detailed results presented by the project's implementing partners AMA and AKF. Results related to areas such as the management of community marine fisheries reserves, the restoration of mangroves, the implementation of livelihood activities and the blue economy incubation initiatives.

Some examples of the results and impact that the project had are outlined below:

• 8 Community Fisheries Committees (CCPs)were created and/or revitalized

• Local Marine Management Areas (LMMAs) corresponding to 70,000 square meters were established.

• 40 hectares of mangroves were restored.

• Technical and financial support for alternative livelihoods was given, resulting in subsequent improvements in people's ability to achieve sustainable living.

• 2 Community Fishery Council (CCP) headquarters were constructed

• 6 LMMA co-management plans were approved at Provincial government level and submitted for national approval. 

• 17 provincial and district Fisheries Co-management Committees were hosted.

• Monitoring activities in the 6 LMMAs in Mecufi district was implemented using local vessels.

• 14 members representing 7 blue entreprises were trained in business management.

• 7 initiatives were financed in the Metuge district, valued at 4,668,556.85 as part of the programme aimed at supporting the development of blue economy in coastal communities.

   

The presentation of the positive results of the project culminated in the launch of the end of project video which told the project story through visualization, and testimony from key stakeholders. The video shared compelling stories of teaching, learning and growth from community beneficiaries. 

In his closing speech, the governor acknowledged the impact of the initiative and celebrated its achievements with stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of the project to local communities and the measures in place for post-project sustainability.

After the formal programme, IUCN showed an exhibition fair to showcase some of the project results visually, hosting workshop participants, including His Excellency the Governor. Community members displayed the results of the alternative livelihood initiatives and Blue Economy incubator projects with pride and professionalism. The display of goods and services produced through their initiatives included showcases in responsible fishing, ecotourism, Bandar nurseries, aquaculture, tropical honey, horticulture, improved cookstoves and horticulture.

This event stood out as an important milestone demonstrating exemplary provincial collaboration in the promotion of sustainability and economic development!