Pilot project to fight against the deforestation and degradation of Miombo forest on the Gilé National Reserve and its periphery

Mozambique is a country with abundant plant and animal biodiversity. This natural capital is in danger considering the risks related to deforestation – some 0.58% a year between 1990 and 2004, i.e. an annual loss of 220,000 ha. Zambezia Province is one of the most forested provinces in the country with a specific type of vegetation – “Miombo forest”. It is also one of the most exposed to deforestation (agriculture, mines, illegal logging). The province only has one protected area: GNR, whose periphery is faced with strong athropogenic pressure. 

Mozambique is one of the 37 countries selected to benefit from support from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). In Mozambique, the REDD+ process is coordinated by the Ministry of Environment (MICOA) and Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG). It leads to the preparation of an R-PP (Readiness Preparation Proposal) and a national REDD+ strategy. Following consultations at local and national level, the Gilé National Reserve (NR) and its periphery have been identified by the national REDD+ strategy and R-PP as a potential REDD+ pilot site.

 

The project has four main components:

• Estimate ex ante the REDD+ potential of GNR and its periphery by assessing the quantity of carbon sequestered in the forests of GNR and its periphery and future deforestation;
• Put a value on GHG reductions and other amenities with the preparation of a REDD+ strategy and the launch of a REDD+ carbon valuation process;
• Develop pilot activities: structuring of communities into Participatory Management Communities (COGEP), conservation agriculture, sport hunting, ecotourism, development of economic interest groups (small-scale herding, fish farming, carpentry…);
• Manage the reserve.

• Assess the potential abatement of emissions caused by deforestation and degradation. Define emission reduction targets for the project and conduct a REDD+ carbon valuation of them.
• Improve the management of the reserve and its financial autonomy. The management, implementation of the project, its monitoring and evaluation conducted by external auditors, via support to a management unit of GNR.
• Reduce pressure on limited natural resources and participate in the economic development of the country and local communities and in their social development, by reducing deforestation and forest degradation.
• Fight against climate change, by reducing GHG emissions related to deforestation and also to the protection of other components (soil, local climate, biodiversity).
• Implement a model to increase resilience and adaptation to climate change.