The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), in partnership with the National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), the Embassy of Sweden, Maputo National Park (PNAM), the Maputo Environmental Protection Area (APA Maputo), Maputo Conservation Company (MCC), and the Community Association for the Conservation of the Futhi Corridor (ACCF), conducted a monitoring visit on 28 May 2026 to the fencing works of the Muwai Community Conservation Area, located in the buffer zone of Maputo National Park.

The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress of the fencing works, evaluate the implementation status of activities on the ground, and strengthen dialogue with field implementers regarding the role of this infrastructure in biodiversity conservation and the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict.

Funded by Sweden through BIOFUND under the Biodiversity Conservation Programme, implemented in close collaboration with ANAC, the initiative represents an important contribution to strengthening community-based conservation in Mozambique, while simultaneously promoting the protection of natural resources and improving the livelihoods of local communities.

During the visit, participants observed the progress of the infrastructure and interacted with members of ACCF, as well as managers from MCC, PNAM, and APA Maputo, who shared their perspectives on the positive impacts already observed since the project’s implementation began.

Among the results already recorded are the reduction of elephant incursions into agricultural areas, decreased crop losses, and the consequent improvement of food security for families in the region. Participants also highlighted the strengthening of community participation and the growing sense of collective responsibility for the sustainable management of natural resources.

This intervention is part of a broader set of actions aimed at strengthening the management of the Muwai Community Conservation Area, including environmental education activities, support for the development of sustainable livelihoods, and capacity building for local community governance structures.

Participants emphasised that the Muwai experience represents a concrete example of solutions based on collaboration between communities and conservation institutions, demonstrating the potential of such approaches to promote harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife while contributing to ecosystem conservation.

The fencing works are currently in their final phase, with the official inauguration expected by the end of June this year. This will mark an important milestone in strengthening community conservation and fostering coexistence between local communities and wildlife in the region.