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Empowering Communities for Human-Wildlife Coexistence in Magoe National Park
8 May 2025
Since ReGeCom’s initial intervention in the Magoe National Park landscape, it became evident that this is a complex and fragile region. Its remoteness and rich biodiversity are contrasted by the daily struggles of poverty and the constant threat of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC), as frequently reported by local communities. These conflicts pose a major challenge to conservation efforts—endangering both human lives and wildlife.
A cornerstone of ReGeCom’s community governance approach is listening and deeply understanding how people relate to the land and its wildlife. Through open dialogue, it became clear that HWC ranks among the top concerns for communities surrounding the park. These challenges are further intensified by the impacts of climate change, such as prolonged droughts that force both humans and wildlife to compete for scarce water resources.
With the support of trained community facilitators, ReGeCom has helped map conflict hotspots—laying the groundwork for long-term, community-led solutions. In line with our commitment to the landscape, ReGeCom approached and initiated a partnership with Mozambique Wildlife Alliance (MWA), a Mozambican organization specialized in HWC mitigation. MWA employs tested methods grounded in a shared, community-based approach, aligned with ReGeCom’s approach. This collaboration led to an inception training session, facilitated by MWA, from March 25–28, targeting 63 men and 22 women from park rangers and selected community leaders and facilitators. The training included both theoretical concepts of conflict and hands-on exercises to apply mitigation techniques in real-time, including during an actual elephant incursion.
For ReGeCom, equipping communities with practical tools for conflict mitigation marks a meaningful step toward building resilient, autonomous local structures and promoting coexistence. As ReGeCom, MWA, and the Magoe National Park administration coordinate next steps, we invite any contributions and support to ensure that people and wildlife thrive around Magoe National Park. Additional efforts through development of effective land use plans, and direct support to livelihood will continue to be considered as it fits under the ReGeCom’s community governance approach.
Source: ReGeCom
With the support of trained community facilitators, ReGeCom has helped map conflict hotspots—laying the groundwork for long-term, community-led solutions. In line with our commitment to the landscape, ReGeCom approached and initiated a partnership with Mozambique Wildlife Alliance (MWA), a Mozambican organization specialized in HWC mitigation. MWA employs tested methods grounded in a shared, community-based approach, aligned with ReGeCom’s approach. This collaboration led to an inception training session, facilitated by MWA, from March 25–28, targeting 63 men and 22 women from park rangers and selected community leaders and facilitators. The training included both theoretical concepts of conflict and hands-on exercises to apply mitigation techniques in real-time, including during an actual elephant incursion.
For ReGeCom, equipping communities with practical tools for conflict mitigation marks a meaningful step toward building resilient, autonomous local structures and promoting coexistence. As ReGeCom, MWA, and the Magoe National Park administration coordinate next steps, we invite any contributions and support to ensure that people and wildlife thrive around Magoe National Park. Additional efforts through development of effective land use plans, and direct support to livelihood will continue to be considered as it fits under the ReGeCom’s community governance approach.
Source: ReGeCom
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