The communities of Jogo Matuvi and Jogo Maiwane begin the restoration of 20 hectares of mangroves under the CORE RESTOR Project

In the province of Inhambane, as part of the implementation of the IUCN CORE RESTOR project in Mozambique and with funding from the Irish embassy, the restoration of 20 hectares of mangroves in the communities of Jogo Matuvi and Jogo Maiwane began on March 26 this year, through the opening of canals to restore the natural hydrology of degraded areas.

The activity has the active participation of 140 members of the two communities, organized and selected based on previously defined criteria and later improved by the local authorities. The identification of participants was carried out by two local committees, ensuring inclusion, transparency and community representation.

The restoration is expected to take place until 14 March of this year, during which time it is expected to restore the natural conditions that allow the return of keystone species and the recovery of ecosystem services provided by the mangrove.

Historically, both areas were rich in biodiversity and stood out for their high shrimp production, an essential source of income and food security for local families. However, the mangroves were previously cut down to make way for salt pans, an investment that later proved unfeasible, leaving extensive degraded areas.

The strong motivation of the communities has been a central element to the initial success of the initiative. Residents believe that mangrove restoration will allow for the natural regeneration of ecosystems, the replacement of fish, and the improvement of economic conditions and food security for families that depend on coastal resources.

The CORE RESTOR project thus reinforces conservation efforts, promoting nature-based solutions and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities.