Mount Mabu, one of the areas benefiting from the PROMOVE Biodiversidade programme, stands out as one of the sites of greatest ecological value in Mozambique. With a maximum altitude of about 1,700 meters and a montane forest covering 7,880 hectares, this region harbors species new to science, has a high rate of endemism, and includes species listed on the IUCN Red List. Due to its ecological and cultural importance, it is essential to declare the Mount Mabu forest, a community conservation area with effective management.

Within the framework of PROMOVE Biodiversidade, the Mount Mabu Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development Support Project, implemented by the WWF-ReGeCom-RADEZA consortium with funding from the European Union, under the management of the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), established 11 community committees and created the management unit, an association known as CONSERVAMabu.

Created in 2023 and based in Nangazi, CONSERVAMabu represents the 11 local community committees in the management of the Mabu Forest. This management unit has stood out for its engagement in conservation activities for Mount Mabu, including the demarcation of the proposed Community Conservation Area totaling 9,300 hectares. CONSERVAMabu, together with the Lugela Administration, submitted the request for the declaration of this conservation area to ANAC.

Members of CONSERVAMabu regularly carry out environmental awareness activities, remove hunting traps from the forest, and contribute to promoting sustainable livelihoods such as conservation agriculture, beekeeping, and the identification of routes for ecotourism. These initiatives not only protect biodiversity but also improve the quality of life of local communities, creating a sustainable development model that can be replicated in other regions.

CONSERVAMabu is an inspiring example of how collaboration between international organizations, and local, provincial, and central government, together with communities and the support of development partners, can drive effective participatory management, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity for present and future generations. However, the success of this participatory approach requires strengthening of technical capacity, leadership, and transparent governance of this management unit. The PROMOVE Biodiversidade programme contributes to building these community-led biodiversity conservation models in the beneficiary landscapes.