The Lugenda Wildlife Reserve (Luwire), located in Block L7 of the Niassa Special Reserve, stands out as a remarkable example of successful biodiversity conservation and community development initiatives in Mozambique. Covering approximately 4,450 square kilometers, Luwire is home to around 5,000 inhabitants.

This project, funded by the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (BIOFUND), focused on the protection of natural resources and, particularly, on improving the living conditions of local communities.

Several development initiatives have been implemented in Luwire, notably the enhancement of camp management skills and the construction of a fully equipped sewing training center, which provides basic sewing training to the community. Currently, community-run tourist camps are under construction, significantly contributing to the increase of local livelihoods and income through shared tourism opportunities.

Luwire has not only achieved its objectives but also inspired a positive transformation in local communities, empowering youth through training in community camps, fostering pride through the Village Totem project, and promoting efficiency through the implementation of Smart Parks technology.

These successes solidify Luwire’s position as a remarkable example of environmental conservation and community development in Mozambique.