The applied research and participatory studies component of the PROMOVE Biodiversidade Programme (funded by the European Union) begun its activities with the first group of researchers in Gilé National Park (PNAG).

The main objective of this program component is to improve tools that can influence decision-making in natural resource management and enhance the livelihoods of communities living around the Conservation Area.

In Gilé National Park, the research involves three different groups, namely:
i) The Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering of Eduardo Mondlane University, which will conduct a flora study, specifically on the regeneration of the Miombo Forest after fires, as well as a survey of Cycad and Orchid species in PNAG;
ii) The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of Lúrio University (Niassa branch) will conduct a fauna study, specifically on the dynamics of species that were reintroduced in the past and the assessment of the impact of macrofauna on the vegetation structure of PNAG;
iii) The third group is from the Faculty of Education and Communication of the Catholic University of Mozambique (Nampula branch), which will conduct a socioeconomic study, specifically on the impact of population growth in the communities living around PNAG on the conservation of biodiversity in this Conservation Area.

The results of these studies are expected to clarify the conservation status of some species, confirm the occurrence or absence of certain flora species, and, based on these results, establish limits on the use of key resources exploited by the communities around the park.

The research will last a maximum of 2 years and 6 months, with at least six seminars planned to disseminate the results at local and national levels. It is also expected that this initiative will further strengthen and enhance research teams in Mozambique.

Stay tuned to PROMOVE Biodiversidade and follow the progress of these activities.