Involving local communities in establishing marine tenure, managing marine resources and empowering communities to make decisions and benefit from conservation initiatives is international best practice and allowed under Mozambique’s 2017 Conservation Law. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recognized community conserved areas as one of the official categories of protected area. 



In line with this approach by IUCN, the Mozambican Conservation Law 5/2017 provides new opportunities for community based coastal resources management (CBCRM) through the establishment of Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) as a category of Protected Area.   The 2018 SPEED+ study on co-management in Mozambique recommended the use of delegated management models to allow communities to take on a more prominent role in the sustainable use of natural resources.


Co-management involves vesting delegation of management responsibility and authority between the local level and the state level. Comanagement can serve as a mechanism for both management of a coastal resource and for community and economic development by promoting participation of users of coastal resources and the community in actively solving problems and addressing needs.


The new General Regulation of Maritime Fisheries (REPMAR) Decree 89/2020 as well as the Conservation Law 5/2017 allow communities to form community conservation is required for supporting documents and a process of consultation in the community will be required to gain community consent for the CCA to be formed. The regulations indicate that partnerships with the private sector be concluded before the CCA is approved. Annex 3 provides a process map that outlines the process under the law for how CCAs can be formed.




While it is a lengthy, complicated and cumbersome process to receive national protected status as a CCA under the 2017 Conservation Law, there are examples of locally managed Marine CCAs (MCCAs) that have been formed, and even recognized, at the national and district levels. Community Fishing Councils (CCPs), in collaboration with the private sector (either lodges, dive centers or NGOs), and sanctioned by either/or the Provincial Directorate for MIMAIP, municipal governments or village chiefs.


 In the forthcoming Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Outlook report, Marcos Pereira notes a few of these “non-formal protected” CCAs, and also notes that information regarding management and governance, funding, mapping and other details, is poorly documented in these areas.


An overarching challenge with all non-formal MCCAs is the lack of national protection, park wardens and other resources required to adequately protect and manage the resource. In numerous instances, this lack of a national and formal protection can lead to damage of the resource if and when a community deems appropriate - for instance, during economic hardships such as COVID-19. We outline a few of these challenges below.


A contract was signed with provincial representatives of MIMAIP, the CCP and private sector operators in San Sebastian. The MCCA was working well for years, protecting a small rock pool, and species thrived in the protected area. But because of the economic challenges brought about by COVID-19, we were told the community got frustrated and decimated the species in the protected area through the use of nets, and the communities are now complaining they cannot find fish anymore.


 The National Directorate of Tourism (DNATUR), is responsible for analysis and assessment of tourism investment initiatives including defining tourism investment zones. The National Institute of Tourism (INATUR), which reports to MICULTUR, promotes tourism, and has an Office for Coordination of TransBoundary Conservation Areas (ACTF), which promotes environmentally sustainable tourism.  INAMAR also regulates pollution from ships and oil/gas platforms in the ocean and has a mandate for rules and standards related to pollution at sea. INAMAR is also responsible for authorizing and monitoring dredging activities at both ports and inland waters. 


The National Institute of Hydrography (INAHINA) also reports to MTC, and oversees oceanography, hydrography and maritime navigation. INAHINA also provides technical recommendations to projects involving new dredging techniques, hydraulic maritime works and other works that could affect the hydrographic patterns of ports and coastlines. 

the Mozambique Railways Company (CFM), which handles rail, but is involved with port management. Recently, the Spatial Development Program (PDE) was created by MTC and hosts the National Geographic Information System Network.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) has a broad mandate and sets policy and regulations for shipping and ports as well as for rail, air, postal and telecommunications. The two key departments related to the blue economy regulation are (1) the National Directorate of Surface Transport, which sets government policy on road, maritime, river, lake and port transport; and (2) the Directorate of Infrastructure, which sets government policy on infrastructure development for ports, maritime, rivers and lakes. 


MTC also oversees the National Naval Institute (INAMAR), the regulatory body for maritime safety, port facilities and vessels Fisheries began in 2019 and is expected to be completed in June 2021. Once completed, the POEMN can inform the overall National Plan for Territorial Development (PNDT). EIAs also typically have detailed maps. The Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy develops and implements policies relating to the exploration and production of mineral resources including minerals and metals. 


It also oversees the National Directorate of Geology and Mines which was established to manage and oversee the mining sector and is responsible for developing policy and regulating mining projects. The National Petroleum Institute (INP) manages upstream oil and gas exploration and production activities in Mozambique, both onshore and offshore. The INP regulates oil and gas operations and sets guidelines for public and private sector