Participatory Coastal Spatial Planning in the Greater Bazaruto Key Biodiversity Area
Conservation International, African Parks project in the Northern Inhambane
Project Dates: 01 Oct 2023, 31 Dec. 2023
The CI project in the Northern Mozambique initially focus on the Greater Bazaruto KBA, including the BANP, but a follow-on project will cover the Tofo KBA and other coastal areas of lnhambane Province.
Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are critical sites that make significant contributions to global biodiversity conservation across various ecosystems, including terrestrial, freshwater, marine, and underground environments. Among the 29 KBAs recognized in Mozambique, the Greater Bazaruto Key Biodiversity Area (GBKBA) encompasses approximately 5,236 square kilometers within the Vilanculos, Inhassoro, and Govuro districts of Inhambane Province. It encircles the Bazaruto Archipelago, consisting of five islands: Bazaruto (the largest at 12,000 hectares), Benguérua (2,500 hectares), Magaruque (600 hectares), Santa Carolina (500 hectares), and the smaller Bangue Island, along with the São Sebastião Peninsula. The project aims to map and identify critical coastal and marine resources using participatory spatial approach with local communities and stakeholders.
Project Details
Year
2023-2024
Location
Vilankulo and Inhassoro – Mozambique
Partner
Conservation International
Project Goals
- Identify geographical areas of paramount importance to local communities, as well as key stakeholders such as local government, tourism operators, semi-industrial, and industrial fishers
- Understand how resources within the identified areas are being utilized, including insights into the diverse user groups involved.
- Assess the sustainability and compatibility of various resource utilization practices within these crucial regions
- Document insight into the perceptions held by local communities concerning environmental chan