Maputo, Mozambique – In southern Africa, where Mozambique’s wild landscapes connect with those of its neighbours, regional peace is fostered, communities benefit, and extraordinary natural spaces are protected.
With a quarter of the country under conservation protection, the Government of Mozambique is working with dedicated partners to enhance the immense value of its natural heritage. As one of the most conservation-oriented nations on the continent, Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), carries the responsibility of safeguarding these national natural treasures. Having worked in partnership with ANAC for over two decades, supporting Banhine, Limpopo, Maputo and Zinave national parks, Peace Parks Foundation is privileged to witness the impact of this collaboration, which continues to deliver meaningful results.
Foundational milestones in the ANAC–Peace Parks partnership
- 2001: Establishment of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, encompassing Limpopo, Banhine, and Zinave national parks.
- 2002: Establishment of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area, with Maputo National Park as a key component.
Strategic impact in 2024
“In 2024, Peace Parks provided 71% of the operational costs for these parks, managing over USD15.5 million in total park operational and development budget. Thanks to our donors, this financial support has been crucial in sustaining and expanding conservation efforts,” shares Werner Myburgh, CEO of Peace Parks Foundation.
Limpopo National Park
- Live local cattle auctions boosted household income through the Herding for Health programme, showing how improved rangeland management translates into real economic returns for rural families. The auctions were attended by 121 people, where MZN 350 000 (USD 5 476) was generated from the sale of 17 preselected cattle.
- A 226% surge in large herbivore numbers since 2010 confirms the park’s ecological restoration success and positions it as a viable transboundary buffer for Kruger’s wildlife expansion. Aerial census in Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park recorded an estimated 20,829 animals in 2024 across six large herbivore species – a significant increase from 2010.
Zinave National Park
- Wildlife is thriving, with no major poaching incidents recorded. The birth of two more white rhino calves in 2024, seven born since rewilding began, signals the re-establishment of a breeding population of one of Africa’s most endangered species.
- Anti-logging efforts remain strong, even as incidents increased in 2024. Six major cases led to ten arrests, multiple equipment seizures, and fines, reinforcing Zinave’s role as a frontline defence against biodiversity loss in Mozambique’s woodlands. Challenges persist, but enforcement continues to gain traction.
- Community initiatives are expanding to improve the quality of life for people living in the landscape, through seed distribution, irrigation schemes and enhanced educational facilities.
Banhine National Park
- The construction of new homes for park management staff was completed.
- A new digital radio network was installed alongside the EarthRanger monitoring system, strengthening the park’s conservation readiness, and laying the technical foundation in preparation for wildlife reintroductions planned for 2025.
- Community-led natural resource management is thriving. A 78% survival rate among 3,000 distributed cashew seedlings signals success in using agroforestry to improve livelihoods and restore ecological balance.
Maputo National Park
- Human-wildlife conflict mitigation was a top priority, with collared elephants providing crucial data to help rangers manage movement corridors. This data is now actively shaping ranger patrols, protecting both people and wildlife in densely populated buffer zones.
- Park boundary upgrades and support for sustainable agriculture were central to 2024’s conservation strategy.
- The Blue Action Fund, dedicated to supporting marine protected areas and coastal waters of Africa, is scaling up with increased community activities and restoration efforts and refinforcing the park’s land-sea protection model.
- The opening of Ponta Membene Lodge marks a major step in turning restored biodiversity into sustainable, shared economic value. Former President Nyusi inaugurated Ponta Membene Lodge, and construction started on a new conference centre that will further boost business and leisure tourism to the park.
- Momentum has grown for Maputo National Park’s World Heritage Site nomination, positioning the park for international recognition and long-term investment in conservation and culture. A decision is expected by mid-2025.
“The Mozambique Government’s dedication to protecting, preserving and developing the country’s wild spaces has resulted in transformative impacts with the support of Peace Parks Foundation, fostering sustainable development and conservation. Together, we are creating a legacy of hope and resilience,” says Antony Alexander, Peace Parks Foundation Programme Manager for the Great Limpopo and Lubombo transfrontier conservation areas.
Read the full report here
