The Gorongosa Restoration Project continues making progress in conservation management and community engagement with support from the United Nations Development Program and the Global Environmental Fund.
The number of law enforcement staff per square kilometer is now eight times higher than the target set by the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environmental Fund’s sixth funding cycle.
During this quarter, the law enforcement team increased patrols and anti-poaching efforts. Their work led to the confiscation of 552 wire snares, 28 gin traps, 11 motorbikes, 7 bicycles, 10 fishing nets, 7 improvised weapons, and 63 knives and machetes. A specialized unit carried out eight missions across four provinces, resulting in multiple arrests and seizures related to illegal hunting, ivory trafficking, and unauthorized mining operations.
Community engagement efforts are building trust and support. Local awareness campaigns led to the voluntary surrender of 24 gin traps, 7 snares, and 1 weapon—an encouraging sign of growing collaboration with conservation goals.
Legal support remains critical. The project’s legal team processed 18 wildlife-related cases during the quarter. Convictions in these cases resulted in prison terms of up to six and a half years, reinforcing the importance of rule of law in protecting biodiversity.
Field infrastructure has also improved. The team completed construction of two concrete tent platforms, distributed 20 durable tents to rangers, and drilled a new borehole with a pump at the Ndzou outpost to ensure reliable access to water.
Capacity building continued with over 50 rangers and staff trained in patrol technology, close-quarters operations, and surveillance techniques. These skills strengthen the team’s ability to respond to threats and make data-driven decisions.
Wildlife monitoring data show stable populations of several key carnivore species: 256 lions, 21 hyenas, 7 leopards, and 7 jackals. A slight decline in the number of wild dogs—from 253 to 247—is attributed to both natural and human-related causes. Health and movement patterns of these species continue to be closely tracked.
The pangolin rehabilitation center cared for five pangolins this quarter, released three, and hosted 94 educational visitors. Since 2018, the center has received 148 pangolins, including 35 turned in voluntarily by community members.
This year’s World Pangolin Day was marked by a vibrant celebration involving 70 community participants and the launch of Shaka – the Pangolin, a children’s book promoting conservation values in schools and girls’ clubs. The event brought together rangers, girls’ clubs, international supporters, artists, and communicators—all united for endangered species protection.
Construction of the Community Education Center in Cheringoma was 80 percent complete by the end of March 2025. Water systems are operational, buildings are nearing completion, and electrical systems are awaiting final inspection. The center will provide a valuable space for training, learning, and local engagement.
Community Natural Resources Committees are successfully managing small grants under the sixth and seventh Global Environmental Fund cycles. Both the Gorongosa Restoration Project and community leaders are gaining valuable experience to share lessons learned from these United Nations Development Programme–funded initiatives.
As of March 31, 2025, the project recorded an expenditure of $96,818.94, representing 8.91 percent of the annual budget of $1,086,488.26. Activity rollout in the first quarter was delayed due to disbursement timing, but planning has been adjusted to stay on track. Full use of the 2025 budget is expected following approval of a no-cost extension, which allows continued work into future quarters.
Cumulatively, the project has spent $6,036,330.68 of its total $7,026,000.00 budget—representing 85.91 percent of total funds. The remaining balance of $989,669.32 is allocated to continued implementation under the revised work plan.
The Gorongosa Restoration Project and its partners remain dedicated to achieving the project’s goals within the extended timeframe, delivering meaningful results for conservation, community development, and sustainable progress in Mozambique.