Micas Cumbane, leader of the Climate and Improved Cooking Solutions Subcommittee of the Mozambican Association for Renewable Energies (AMER), revealed this Wednesday (19), during the roundtable on “Carbon Markets as a Strategic Tool for Climate Action in Mozambique,” organized by AMER in partnership with the Energising Development (EnDev) program, that Mozambique loses around 300,000 hectares of forest each year due to deforestation caused by the use of traditional stoves.
According to the AMER representative, this forest destruction not only affects the environment but also harms family health, increasing indoor pollution in households. The situation contributes to more cases of respiratory diseases and higher mortality rates, emphasizing the need to expand the use of clean cooking solutions and improved stoves.
The expert also explained that the lack of legislation on carbon credits prevents Mozambican companies from selling these credits on the international market profitably. “Without legislation, it is simply not possible to sell the credits, and when it is possible, the price is so low that it makes the business models of companies unviable,” stated Micas Cumbane. He highlighted that the approval of regulations could accelerate the dissemination of improved stoves and help Mozambique meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets under the Paris Agreement. Currently, only 6% of households use clean cooking solutions in the country, but the goal is to reach 36% by 2035, even considering population growth.
Cumbane added that improved stove projects include continuous monitoring of beneficiary households, ensuring that carbon credits reflect real reductions in firewood consumption and pollution. “Monitoring is annual and audited, and the relationship with customers does not end with the sale of the product,” explained the AMER leader. The development of the carbon market in Mozambique will also depend on the creation of the National Carbon Transfer Institute (INTC), which will serve as the country’s showcase to climate funders. “This mechanism will provide national credibility and strengthen the confidence of investors and companies already operating in the sector,” emphasized the AMER representative.
Finally, Micas Cumbane called on the government to create incentives that strengthen the sector and facilitate household access to clean cooking solutions. “We hope the government supports companies with VAT reductions, raw materials, or customs duties, strengthening the carbon market and promoting access to clean cooking in the country,” concluded the official.
Text: Florença Nhabinde
