The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity – BIOFUND carried out a strategic mission to the Marromeu Complex (comprising the Marromeu Reserve and Coutadas 10, 11, 12 and 14), led by Executive Director Luís Bernardo Honwana. The mission aimed to strengthen coordination with local government, the private sector and community stakeholders in support of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

During the mission, held from 11 to 13 November 2025, the team visited Coutadas 10, 11 and 14, as well as the Marromeu National Reserve, where they observed first-hand the realities of each area, their management practices, key challenges and constraints, as well as the community development initiatives currently underway.

Strategic contribution of the Coutadas to conservation and local development

These controlled hunting areas, known for their remarkable natural beauty, receive nearly half of the sport hunters who visit Mozambique each year. They are internationally recognised enterprises, each serving specific market niches within the sector. Beyond generating significant revenue for both the State and local communities, they provide essential protection and maintain a strategic presence around the Marromeu National Reserve. Their work helps reduce poaching, creates employment opportunities, supports community livelihoods, and delivers broad social assistance to neighbouring populations.

Coutada 11 – Zambeze Delta Safaris: a model of wildlife recovery

Coutada 11 is managed by Zambeze Delta Safaris (ZDS), which has operated in the area for more than 30 years and has achieved remarkable results in wildlife recovery, evidenced by the significant increase in most wildlife populations, as confirmed by the latest aerial census conducted in 2024.
ZDS has also expanded its felid conservation programme, including the reintroduction of lions and cheetahs, and strengthened its scientific capacity through dedicated ecological monitoring teams. In addition to its conservation achievements, ZDS consistently invests in social initiatives, such as building schools, establishing a health centre, and supporting local economic activities, including agriculture and the production and marketing of honey.

Coutada 10 – Marromeu Safaris: communities as partners in conservation

Coutada 10 is managed by Marromeu Safaris, which has operated in the area for more than a decade and is distinguished by its strong engagement with local communities in combating poaching and supporting community development initiatives. The company has also established key partnerships, most notably with the Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à África (APOIAR), to promote education and strengthen school kitchens that provide two daily meals to all students.

Coutada 14 – Nyati Safaris: biodiversity and the empowerment of young professionals

Coutada 14 has been managed by Nyati Safaris for nearly 30 years, maintaining its main camp in the southern part of the area, near the border with the Marromeu Reserve, a zone particularly rich in biodiversity within the complex.

During the visit, special emphasis was placed on the added value brought by the PLCM interns, whose technical expertise, dedication and strong engagement in community support efforts have had a highly positive impact on the region and on reducing poaching.

Institutional meetings for strategic alignment

The mission included institutional meetings with the Administrator of Marromeu District, Maria Waite Juliasse, and the Administrator of the Marromeu National Reserve, Benjamin Luís Garrife Massangaisse, along with representatives from the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), an ANAC partner providing technical and financial support to the reserve.
The parties discussed the alignment of efforts for the implementation of the Coastal Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project (CLCR), funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

District Administrator Maria Waite Juliasse expressed satisfaction with the visit and emphasised the desire to see BIOFUND strengthen its presence in promoting conservation initiatives and mitigating human–wildlife conflict.

An ecosystem of International significance

The Marromeu Complex, located in the Zambezi Delta, is recognised as one of the richest and most emblematic ecosystems in Southern Africa. Since 2004, it has been internationally acknowledged as a Ramsar Site, designating it as a Wetland of International Importance protected under the Ramsar Convention.

BIOFUND has supported several transformational initiatives in the Marromeu landscape, including the World Bank funded MozBio 2 Project, implemented in the Marromeu Reserve and completed in 2024.

Strategic partnerships: a decisive step forward for conservation in Mozambique

Since 2025, BIOFUND has established a long-term grant to support the recurrent operational costs of the Marromeu National Reserve, implemented through joint planning with FZS.
Notably, the Emergency BioFund also provided crucial support during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling Coutadas 11 and 14, as well as the Marromeu National Reserve, to cover the salaries of rangers and local staff. This intervention helped secure the jobs of more than 1,000 people over an 18-month period.

This mission, with logistics and accommodation generously facilitated by the various operators, highlights the essential commercial, conservation, development, and philanthropic roles that private operators play in this landscape. It also represents a significant step in consolidating strategic partnerships and preparing for Phase 1 of the CLCR Project, scheduled to begin in 2026, further reinforcing BIOFUND’s central role in conservation financing and in promoting initiatives that support the sustainable development of local communities.