The Council of Ministers yesterday approved the change in the classification of three conservation so as to enable the modernisation of their management and improvement in their ability to attract tourists and earn revenue.
One of these areas is the Niassa National Reserve, which covers part of Niassa and Cabo Delgado provinces, and is now called Niassa Special Reserve.
The designation of the Gilé Reserve in Zambézia province and Chimanimani Reserve in Manica province has also been changed as both will now have the status of national parks, snnounced Filimão Suaze, spokesperson for the cabinet meeting held in Maputo at its 17th ordinary session.
Suaze, who is also Deputy Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, said that this is not a simple category change, but would bring about changes in management models in use, with a focus on environmental conservation, revenue collection and tourism exploitation.
In the tourism area, Suaze said that the conservation areas would develop their vision and strategies in a move expected to increase interest on the part of Mozambicans and foreigners on vacation and in search of new leisure experiences.
As for the continuous indiscriminate killing of protected fauna and forest species, Suaze said that the crime constituted a permanent challenge for the government and the state, and required the strengthening and development of the forest guard in general, especially in conservation areas.
The management changes expected from the two new National Parks of Gile and Chimanimani and the Niassa Special Reserve would also contribute greatly.
Suaze recognised the urgency of stopping the indiscriminate slaughter of protected species such as the elephant and rhino, adding that these efforts are associated with the approved changes in categories for the three conservation areas.
Sources:
https://web.facebook.com/mozconservacao
https://clubofmozambique.com/news/mozambique-gile-and-chimanimani-become-national-parks-niassa-becomes-special-reserve-160892/