A chorus of conservation guardians is demanding urgent state intervention following a spate of alarming security breaches in Mozambique’s protected areas, including brazen attacks on key facilities within the renowned Niassa Special Reserve last month. The Conservation Community forum, a coalition of over 30 influential organizations, has issued a powerful statement calling for immediate and decisive action to safeguard these vital ecological and economic hubs.
The attacks, which targeted the Chapungo-Kambako Safaris main camp and the Mariri Environmental and Skills Training Centre in Niassa province in April, have sent shockwaves through the conservation fraternity. These incidents not only threaten the delicate biodiversity within Mozambique’s protected zones, which impressively cover 29% of the nation’s land, but also jeopardize the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people who depend on these areas.
The forum highlights the significant financial contributions of conservation efforts, revealing that a staggering US$450 million has been invested in these regions over the past decade alone. Collectively, the signatories represent an annual investment exceeding US$59 million, providing employment for over 3,000 Mozambicans and positively impacting the lives of over 97,000 individuals through various livelihood, educational, health, and conservation-related initiatives.
“Conservation efforts must be recognized and safeguarded as a matter of national security interest, not undermined by instability or impunity,” the Conservation Community implored in their strongly worded statement released on Saturday. “They provide the critical foundation for human well-being, economic growth and climate resilience.”
Among the prominent signatories lending their voice to this urgent appeal are respected organizations such as African Parks, Buffalo Adventures, Fauna and Flora, Frankfurt Zoological Society, Peace Parks Foundation, and the Endangered Wildlife Trust.
The coalition is pressing the Mozambican government and law enforcement agencies to prioritize the safety of conservation workers and local communities residing in or near these protected areas. They insist on a robust and immediate response in emergency situations, coupled with a sustained commitment to well-funded, expertly trained, and adequately equipped anti-poaching patrols operating under the authority of the National Authority for Conservation Areas (ANAC).
Drawing a parallel to other critical national infrastructure, the environmental defenders argue unequivocally that any threats or attacks on conservation areas must be treated with the utmost seriousness. This includes ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law within these protected zones.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by the details emerging from the April attacks on Mariri tourist establishments within the Niassa Special Reserve. These brutal incidents reportedly resulted in the tragic deaths and injuries of several workers, alongside the extensive destruction of essential infrastructure, including offices, accommodation, warehouses, and vehicles.
The Conservation Community forum passionately emphasizes that Mozambique’s protected areas are not merely local assets but national and global heritage sites of immense ecological, cultural, and economic significance. They stress the imperative to shield these invaluable regions from violence, exploitation, and the corrosive effects of insecurity. The call to action is clear: the time for decisive protection is now.
