Aug 3, 2026 |
The Mecubúri Forest Reserve, in Nampula province, is to be resized in response to the occupation of the conservation area by neighbouring communities.
The decision comes from the Provincial Directorate for Territorial Development and Environment, which is seeking to bring the reserve's boundaries into line with conditions on the ground.
According to Rádio Moçambique, the measure follows an agreement recently signed between the provincial government and local communities, after the land disputes that had been occurring in the region.
The Provincial Director for Territorial Development and Environment in Nampula, Delfina Falume, says the land dispute has eased following the understanding reached between the parties and that the reserve is operating normally again. She also said forest rangers are working to halt the illegal extraction of resources in what she describes as the largest forest reserve in southern Africa.
The case illustrates a trend identified at national level. The results of the 2025 National Census of Elephants and Large Mammals, released by BIOFUND on 24 July, pointed to the spread of human settlements, agriculture, livestock, charcoal production and mining into conservation areas previously less affected by these activities.
Photo: RR
