Story/photos – Samo Jossefa Samo
On May 16, 2025, Gorongosa National Park and the Cheringoma District Government launched the Degraded Areas Restoration Campaign in the communities of the Sustainable Development Zone and Coutada 12. This initiative is part of the “Sustainable Livelihoods Development” project, which aims to improve the quality of life of communities and protect the environment.
In order to facilitate the intervention of community leaders and facilitators in reforestation campaigns, community mobilization and awareness-raising, as well as the implementation of beekeeping and ecotourism projects, Gorongosa National Park delivered 12 Lifan Camel motorcycles to seven leaders and five Natural Resource Management Committees from the communities of Catemo, Nhabawa, Muandimai, Chidanga and Maciambosa. In addition, 147bicycles were distributed to inspectors and community animators from these localities.
These resources are intended to support activities such as awareness campaigns on the sustainable management of natural resources and environmental legislation, as well as the production and planting of seedlings of various species that occur in the district’s Sustainable Development Zone and Coutada 12.
The event also featured cultural moments, including dances, a play about environmental conservation and poetic presentations. Elisa Langa, Director of the Human Development Department, stressed the importance of protecting forests for the future of the planet and communities: “Protecting forests is vital for the future of the planet and communities, as they provide essential air and water. Protecting forests is about guaranteeing our very existence and quality of life, and it’s everyone’s responsibility.”
Sérgio Costa, representing the District Administrator, stressed that the responsibility for conservation is collective: “We all need to understand that this is just a reinforcement that we are receiving from a very privileged partner, called Gorongosa National Park. However, the responsibility for conserving the environment, especially the forests, is ours; it belongs to all of us.”
Manuel Charles Sande, a community inspector in Mazamba, expressed his gratitude for the resources received, stressing that this will help with environmental monitoring and protection in the community.
Finally, a memorandum was signed between the agreed parties: Gorongosa National Park, the local government, and community leaders (the King and Queen) to formalize collaboration on environmental conservation and sustainable development.
“We need to act to protect the forests from deforestation, burning and other threats, thus ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone,” urged Langa.
