Gorongosa Mountain, the lifeblood of Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, is at the heart of an inspiring restoration project. This vital ecosystem, a biodiversity hotspot home to at least 15 endemic species, has suffered significant deforestation, threatening its delicate balance. But a new agroforestry initiative is offering hope for its revival.
Launched in 2021 by the park’s Scientific Department, the project has seen nearly 3,000 trees from nine native species planted across five hectares. However, this is more than just a tree-planting exercise; it’s a holistic approach to restoring the mountain’s health while empowering the communities that call it home.
The project’s success hinges on its deep engagement with local residents. The park team has prioritized education, monitoring, support, and empowerment, recognizing that community ownership is crucial for long-term sustainability. Recent activities have included lectures on the benefits of agroforestry, hands-on ecosystem monitoring, distribution of food crops and seedlings, and training for women in producing enriched porridge.
Crucially, the project integrates local knowledge and addresses the specific needs and values of the community. Children, women, and other community members are actively involved in driving the project forward, ensuring that it reflects their aspirations for the mountain’s future.
As the forests regenerate, both the people and wildlife of Gorongosa will reap the rewards. The revitalized ecosystem will provide essential resources, while the community will benefit from improved livelihoods and enhanced food security.
This initiative demonstrates a powerful model for conservation, proving that environmental restoration and community well-being are intrinsically linked. The Gorongosa Mountain project offers a blueprint for sustainable living, showcasing how conservation can thrive when it is rooted in local engagement and driven by a shared vision for a healthy and prosperous future.
