OUR WORK
Conservation at scale
Banhine National Park was established in 1973 to conserve the giraffe and ostrich populations found there. It is often referred to as the mini-Okavango Delta of Mozambique due to its extensive wetlands. It is situated in central southern Mozambique, midway between Pafuri in the west and Vilanculos in the east.
Rewilding
A fixed-wing aerial census was successfully completed in 2023, with a 30% count in the east and a 10% count in the west. Good elephant, ostrich and buffalo count numbers were observed however smaller more difficult to observe species were undercounted. With the park now more secure, the first wildlife translocations are planned for 2024. Rewilding will rejuvenate the ecosystem, and stimulate the park’s eco-tourism potential.
Ecological connectivity
Banhine is a critically important component of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area as it lies within the wildlife corridor between Zinave and Limpopo national parks. Five collared elephants are monitored that move between Banhine and Limpopo national parks through the corridor.
Combatting wildlife crime
In order to rehabilitate and restore the park, it is a priority for both ANAC and Peace Parks Foundation to secure the area in preparation for the reintroduction of wildlife. The Law Enforcement Operations Manager appointed by Peace Parks supports the Park Warden in implementing a USD 1 million anti-poaching project. The counter-poaching unit has achieved great success, and systems are being upgraded to support them.
The counter-poaching unit’s operations control room became operational in 2023 and the radio network is set to be upgraded from analog to digital with a new tower and upgraded equipment. Earth Ranger has also been operationalised and two staff have been assigned and capacitated as control room operators.
Community development
Female Farmers at the Forefront of Conservation Agriculture
Funding is being used for socio-economic development and alternative livelihoods programmes for the communities living in and adjacent to Banhine. People living in this landscape rely on the land and the environment for their daily subsistence.
Nineteen of the park communities have established Natural Resources Management Committees. Enabling them to play a role as drivers of community participation and decision-making in the sustainable use and management of resources. Communities are supported in agriculture through the distribution of 10 000 cashew seedlings through a partnership with Aicaju.
Cashew Seedlings Sprout Hope in Banhine National Park
Herding for Health is also very active in this area. Following consultation and awareness meetings and a landscape survey, six management of grazing areas committees (GAC) have been established. By 2024, 250 participants, 75 of which are women, are receiving training support. The project supports 3 672 cattle belonging to 115 breeders.
Uniting Communities, Cattle And Conservation
Conservation finance
Funding
We source reliable funding and take care of the financial administration thereof to assist the park in achieving its objectives.
Tourism
Banhine remains largely an unknown destination and still needs to develop its wildlife product and tourism road network – much of this will be initiated in 2024-25 with the planned rewilding commencement. Download the park brochure for more information.
