The project Building a Blue Future for Ecosystems and People of the East African Coast (Blue Future), is an initiative aimed at establishing a new sustainable-use Marine Protected Area (MPA) between the districts of Memba and Mossuril, (potentially reaching 7,000 km2, which represents about 1% of the Economic Exclusive Zone). This MPA will include a well-operated network of community-managed fishing areas, aiming at enhancing priority biodiversity and ecosystem services that contribute to reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience of local communities to climate change impacts, promoting effective prevention and adaptation, aiding coastal protection and fostering alternative livelihoods to fisheries.
Conservation Challenges
- Coastal communities face declining marine resources, affecting income and food security.
- Limited access to potable water.
- Most households lack sufficient income.
- Youth have few education/training options and limited job opportunities outside fishing.
- Artisanal fishers are not adequately organized.
- Communities and authorities must stay engaged with project goals.
- The Cabo Delgado conflict may extend to Nampula, threatening the project.
- The government must stay committed to expanding MPAs and promoting sustainable development in the North.
- Community Fishing Councils must manage fishing areas effectively, and fishers must follow management plans.
- Co-managed areas need to increase fish biomass successfully.
- Market demand is essential for alternative livelihood products.
- Coordination among conservation partners is key to preventing competition and keeping beneficiaries motivated.
- Restoration activities must be monitored to measure success.
Conservation Approach
- Protect priority biodiversity and ecosystem services by creating a sustainable-use MPA for small-scale fisheries.
- Empower artisanal fishing communities by establishing, training, and equipping Community Fisheries Councils (CCPs).
- Support climate change adaptation through ecosystem-based measures, including restoration of mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs, providing both environmental and financial benefits to communities.
- Develop a business and financial plan for protected area management to improve local livelihoods.
- Train communities and authorities in ecosystem-based adaptation.
- Enhance local economies by training and financing environmentally sustainable small businesses.
Goals
- Improve the resilience of climate – relevant ecosystems through greater protection and management
- Improve the resilience and livelihoods of the most vulnerable communities
Activities
- Establish a robust ecological, socio-economic and climate vulnerability baseline
- Conduct an adequate fisheries assessment, create, reinforce, legalize and equip Community Fisheries Councils (CCPs)
- Support CCPs on creating Community-managed fishing areas (APGCs) with Areas of Resource Recovery (ARRs), including management and monitoring plans
- Develop a proposal for the establishment of the Memba-Mossuril MPA, including a management plan and a business & financial plan.
- Design and implement a community-based mangrove restoration/rehabilitation project and a pilot seagrass restoration project.
- Implement a Biodiversity Offsets pilot project to test the execution of restoration and conservation activities by local communities, allowing them to benefit financially from their efforts.
- Conduct a feasibility study for a potential Blue Carbon project, followed by a workshop to share results.
- Establish and train Livelihood Clubs (LCs) as self-support platforms for fishers and their families, helping them adopt EBA agriculture practices and other measures to reduce resource overexploitation and improve food and water security (e.g., fuel-efficient stoves, water retention systems).
- Establish Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
- Support each LC and other small-scale producers in developing livelihood strategies and/or new businesses.
- Train project stakeholders in the Ecosystem-based Approach (EbA).
- Organize an annual technical-scientific conference on EbA and Marine Conservation.
Threats
- Overfishing and harmful fishing practices by both local and migratory fishers.
- Increased fishing pressure on other MPAs in the region.
- Many coastal communities are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including flooding and prolonged droughts.
- Local ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds, which provide essential services to communities, are being degraded due to overexploitation and climate change.
- High poverty levels and a lack of economic opportunities for local communities.
- Ongoing conflicts in Cabo Delgado with the potential for further escalation.
- The return of fishers who previously migrated north is leading to emerging social challenges.
- A pressing need to improve living conditions for local communities.
Accomplishments
Baseline Studies Completed
- Ecological and socio-economic
- Climate Vulnerability Assessment CCPs Diagnosis
Creation and Revitalization of CCPs
- 3 CCPs created and 2 revitalized in Mossuril
- 1 CCP created in Nacala-a-Velha
- 2 CCPs created in Memba
- Areas with ecological potential identified for ARR designation
Funding and Sustainability Mechanisms for MPAs
- Blue Carbon feasibility study
- Pilot project initiated for biodiversity offsets
- Business and financing plan for the MPA
Conservation and Restoration Processes of Critical Ecosystems by Communities
- Mangroves
- Seagrass
- Coral Reefs
- Native non-mangrove forest
Livelihood Clubs
- Regenerative agriculture training and demonstration fields
- Alternative small businesses / Other partnerships
- Savings groups
- Improved firewood stoves
Sector Planning Meeting (May 20-21, Nacala Velha)
- Supported by Aga Khan Foundation and RARE
Marine Biodiversity Conference
- 2023 Conference and Exhibition organized in Maputo
- 2024 Conference and Exhibition organized in Nacala