The Cheringoma District Government led the way in establishing the District Dialogue Forum, which was held in Inhaminga on June 27 and 28. This event brought together various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society members, conservation area representatives, and judiciary services. The primary objectives of the Dialogue Forum were to inform, discuss, and reach consensus on the application of Conservation Area legislation, as well as address issues related to poaching and trafficking of flora and fauna within the Human-Wildlife Coexistence and Sustainable Development Zones of Gorongosa National Park, Coutada 12, and other district concessions.
District Dialogue Forum – photos by Larissa Sousa
The Forum is scheduled to convene annually but can also meet as needed under ordinary or extraordinary circumstances. Permanent participants will include representatives from the Sofala Provincial Executive Council, Sofala State Representative Council, Cheringoma District Government, Public Prosecutors, Civil Society Organizations focused on environmental issues, the private sector, the District Command of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique in Cheringoma, the Police for the Protection of Natural Resources and the Environment, AQUA, community leaders, local community members, and members of the Cheringoma Natural Resources Management Committees and Women’s Development Committees.
The two-day Forum was a significant learning opportunity for all involved, particularly community leaders who gained a deeper understanding of conservation area legislation to better guide their communities. Ermelinda Maquenze, the Provincial Director of Environmental Services who led the Forum, emphasized the importance of improving communication to effectively implement laws and regulations for conserving natural resources. She praised the District’s initiative and collaboration with partners such as Gorongosa Park and the OAK Foundation to tackle these challenges.
