The Likhulu Foundation has successfully mapped Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in Mozambique under the Blue Nature Alliance project, “Catalyzing Legal Recognition and Strengthening Management Effectiveness of LMMAs within the WIO Region.” This initiative is a major step toward enhancing marine conservation in the region by addressing crucial aspects of LMMA development including legal status, boundaries, habitats, governance, threats, and funding.
Co-management has been a recognized concept since the 1990s in Mozambique, yet it took nearly 30 years to establish a solid legal framework. Milestones such as REPMAR (Decree 89/2020), Ministerial Diploma 83/2023, and the MPA Expansion Strategy have paved the way for improved management. Additionally, the ongoing National Assessment of LMMAs, complementing revisions by Rubens (2024), aims to further clarify and streamline the legal processes. These efforts have been essential in setting the stage for more effective and structured marine area management.
Despite the progress, Mozambique’s LMMAs face several challenges. Many initiatives struggle with a lack of financial resources, inadequate equipment, and shortages in skilled human resources. The absence of proper LMMA delimitation, such as the use of marker buoys, and poor institutional coordination further compound the difficulties. Moreover, the legal processes remain long, costly, and cumbersome, and instances of political unrest have occasionally disrupted implementation efforts. Limited support from technical partners adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
On the other hand, there are significant opportunities for growth. There is a strong interest from local communities, bolstered by a rising political will to support marine conservation initiatives. Regional and international interest, along with national strategies and international commitments, offers promising prospects for overcoming existing barriers.
Recent mapping results indicate at least 175 active LMMA initiatives focused on fisheries management and resource recovery, though many of these efforts require additional support in fundraising, administration, enforcement, monitoring, and demarcation. Notably, only 5.9% of areas are fully protected, a figure that falls short of the ambitious 30% target, highlighting the need for continued development and investment.