The Government has announced plans to redefine conservation areas in order to achieve a balance between biodiversity conservation and community development. To this end, through Resolution 33/2025 of the Council of Ministers, dated October 17, the Technical Commission for the Redefinition of Conservation Areas (CTRAC) has been established.
According to a Lusa report, the working group will be responsible for coordinating and providing technical and institutional support to the Government. Its mandate includes conducting a technical and legal survey of existing conservation areas, identifying overlaps and conflicts with community uses, development projects, or public interest zones, and proposing new boundaries and management categories for these areas.
The commission will also promote consultation and dissemination processes regarding the redefinition and boundary changes of conservation areas, as well as coordinate and monitor the process, reviewing proposals for redefinition and/or elimination to be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval. CTRAC will further be responsible for ensuring compatibility between biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and the rights of local communities and third parties.
The commission will be led by the Secretariat of State for Land and Environment and will include representatives from the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), the Ministries of the Interior, National Defense, State Administration and Public Service, Finance, Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Mineral Resources and Energy, Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, and Education and Culture, as well as two independent experts in ecology and land management.
Mozambique is home to 14 major ecological regions, some of global importance. The national network of conservation areas covers about 26% of the country’s territory, including 19 national parks and reserves, 20 official hunting areas, and other categories of protected zones monitored by specialized rangers.
In October, it was announced that Mozambique will mobilize 60 million dollars (3.8 billion meticais) to finance eight protected areas within the National Network of Conservation Areas. “This funding is part of the ‘Keystone Initiative,’ led by the Rob Walton Foundation, which aims to support vital protected areas for biodiversity conservation in Africa,” reads a statement from ANAC.
The conservation areas that may benefit from these funds include the Niassa Special Reserve, Gorongosa National Park, Magoe National Park and the Tchuma Tchato Landscape, Zinave National Park, Banhine National Park, and Gilé National Park. These regions represent key points for environmental preservation in the country.
Source: Diário Económico
