In 2020, shortly after the establishment of Conserve Global (www.conserveglobal.earth) the organization received an invitation from the Government of Mozambique and MozBio to meet with representatives from six villages on the western edge of the Futi Corridor which is part of the Lubombo TFCA linking South Africa to Mozambique. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential solutions towards resolving the chronic human-elephant conflict afflicting these villages. Concurrently, ANAC as the management of Maputo National Park, the newly established Maputo Environmental Protection Area, and Peace Parks Foundation initiated discussions about the inclusion of communities living around the Park in the emerging wildlife economy resulting from highly effective management of the Park. This groundswell of support by diverse stakeholders to engage communities in the conservation dialogue proved catalytic to the ensuing journey. It served as a powerful lesson indicating that trust and sincere dialogue, rooted in a firm willingness to find common ground, is perhaps the most important currency in reconciling the legitimate needs of people with conservation and the persistence of biodiversity. Since then, listening to truly understand has become a foundational pillar of the Conserve Global approach.

The Futi Corridor, an intriguing segment of protected area estate extending southwards from Maputo National Park (Park) to the border with South Africa, holds significant ecological importance. It forms part of the Park, safeguarding the Futi River and its magnificent floodplain, while creating a critical ecological linkage with Tembe Elephant Park across the border. Despite being fenced 4km either side of the Futi River, the fence was found to be in disrepair during inspections. Consequently, clear evidence of the Park’s growing elephant population moving in and out of the Futi Corridor into neighboring land used by communities was observed, exacerbating human-elephant conflict. This conflict, compounded by a free-ranging population of elephants between the Futi Corridor and the Maputo River, has persisted for some time, with elephants from as far as the Kruger National Park recorded moving to and from Maputo National Park.

Conversations with community members residing in the six villages to the west of the Futi Corridor underscored the severity of the conflict with elephants. Regular damage to crops and infrastructure, and even loss of lives, were reported. Remarkably, the affected individuals expressed no desire for elephants to be eliminated from the landscape but sought resolution of the conflict. Recognizing that the problem extended beyond elephants merely moving in and out of the park, discussions included the option of erecting a new fenceline, which raised the possibility of incorporating land to the West of the Futi Corridor into the protected area estate. Although this suggestion sparked numerous questions, it garnered substantial support. Subsequently, a series of meetings ensued among community members themselves, including engagements with the Thembe Royal Family, as well as meetings between community members and the Park's management, representatives from Conserve, the Maputo EPA, the Ministry of Lands, and representatives from Peace Parks Foundation. After almost two years of deliberations and meetings, an agreement was reached to erect a new fenceline incorporating 10,000 hectares of land to the west of the Futi Corridor into the protected area complex, contingent upon formal declaration of this land either as a community conservation area or community concession to facilitate the community’s involvement in the wildlife economy.

This agreement prompted the establishment of the Mwai Community Association, elected trustees, and a site visit to andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. Additionally, it prompted a joint review of legal pathways to secure the land for the community. Subsequently, Conserve entered into a short-term agreement with the Mwai Community Association to project manage and raise funds for constructing the new fenceline, and to provide technical and financial support for subsequent activities. These activities included an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the fenceline construction and governance and administration training for the Association's trustees.

After extensive deliberation, awarding the area as a community concession emerged as the most viable legal option. This led to extensive engagement between the Mwai Community Association and the Government, culminating in the signing of an agreement in December 2023, recognizing the area as a community concession. This pivotal moment transformed the possibility of community involvement in the wildlife economy into an emerging reality. Subsequent activities, including the completion of the EIA, commitment of funding for fenceline construction by BioFund, and support from MozBio, enabled community members, in consultation with the EPA authority, to map out, mark, and clear the path for the new fenceline, generating temporary employment and stimulating local procurement.

Pending the BioFund procurement process, construction of the new fenceline will commence, incorporating employment and training of community members. Once constructed, the 10,000-hectare community concession will be part of the protected area complex. A feasibility study on maximizing household-level benefits from the area has been completed, informing enterprise development opportunities for the Association and its members. Additionally, Conserve is in discussions with the Mwai Association to provide long-term conservation management services, aiming to ensure ecological, social, and financial sustainability for the community, eventually enabling the Association to assume full stewardship of their concession area. This approach establishes a healthy power dynamic, with the community retaining full authority and Conserve providing continued technical and financial support, contingent upon delivery. Collaboration with subject matter experts aims to optimize the project as a demonstration of how communities can benefit from a diverse and thriving wildlife economy.

While Conserve is enthusiastic about the project, it acknowledges that credit is due to the collective efforts of various stakeholders from the public and private sectors. The project serves as a testament to the possibilities when people unite around a common objective with communities at the heart of conservation outcomes. Particularly, the residents of the six Mwai villages deserve recognition for their vision and commitment in embracing a project that initially seemed disconnected from their daily lives.

For more information, please contact Harriet Davies-Mostert on Harriet[at]conserveglobal[dot]org