Tourism revenue from Gorongosa National Park supports local communities, celebrates stewardship, and strengthens conservation partnerships.
Text and photos – Samo Jossefa
On March 26, 2025, Gorongosa National Park, alongside the District Government and Secretary of State Her Excellency Cecília Sandra Jerónimo Chamutota, handed over 16 checks—representing 20% of the Park’s tourism fees—to the natural resource management committees (CGRN) of the Sustainable Development Zone. This moment marked a milestone in implementing Law 17/2023, which mandates that 20% of revenue from natural resource use be returned to local communities. Building on Ministerial Diploma 93/2005, the law enables meaningful investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education—transforming conservation into shared progress.
In her remarks, Secretary Chamutota emphasized the critical importance of collaborative natural resource management. “It is essential that we work together to preserve the richness of our biodiversity,” she said, underlining the government’s recognition of community leadership in protecting wildlife and ecosystems. “This wealth must be passed on to future generations,” she added, urging stronger ties among the Park, local entities, and the people who call this landscape home.
Gorongosa National Park Administrator Pedro Estevão Muagura thanked the Secretary for her support and reaffirmed the Park’s commitment to advancing both conservation and community development. He called on attendees to continue supporting Gorongosa’s efforts to foster human-wildlife coexistence—especially through the Park’s dedicated mobile ranger brigades working to ensure community safety and resilience.
The celebration featured cultural dance performances, a vibrant agricultural and multi-sector exhibition, and meaningful conversations with community leaders and CGRN representatives. During a heartfelt ceremony, each community received a check for 128,937 Mt. Among the distinguished guests were Mayor Sabete Morais, District Administrator Pedro Mussengue, Director of the Provincial Environmental Services Ermelinda Maquenze, and several other local dignitaries.
The CGRN teams were praised for their tireless efforts in protecting natural heritage, and farmers were honored for championing ecological, sustainable production. With shared resources and shared responsibility, Gorongosa continues to lead the way toward a sustainable and thriving future for all.uction. Thanks to these initiatives, the Gorongosa region is moving towards a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
