Maputo National Park has been formally proposed as a candidate for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The nomination will be reviewed during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, taking place in Paris from July 7 to 16, 2025, where various proposals from around the world will be assessed.
This park is connected to South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which already holds World Heritage status. If the nomination is approved, both countries will move toward a joint management model, focused particularly on the conservation and movement of species inhabiting these ecosystems.
“The plan includes the creation of a joint committee and a coordinated operational plan between Mozambique and South Africa. Although each country will maintain individual management of its own territory, cooperation will be essential to preserve the unique value of both parks,” explained Miguel Gonçalves, administrator of Maputo National Park.
The World Heritage Convention, adopted by UNESCO in 1972, aims to protect natural and cultural properties of outstanding universal value, reinforcing the importance of Maputo National Park’s nomination for environmental conservation and international recognition.
In addition to Mozambique, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will review nominations from other Portuguese-speaking countries. Guinea-Bissau has submitted the Bijagós Archipelago, recognized for its ecological importance, particularly for sea turtles and migratory birds. Brazil has nominated the Peruaçu Caves National Park, in Minas Gerais, while Portugal will present a group of works by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira and reports on various historical monuments.
Source: Lusa
