Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Development in Mozambique: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

This article analyses the interrelationships between ecosystems, biodiversity and development in Mozambique, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that arise. It argues that biodiversity and ecosystems constitute the vital foundation of sustainable development in Mozambique. The country boasts a vast natural heritage, from tropical forests and mangroves to coral reefs and savannas, which not only sustain the lives of millions of Mozambicans but also perform global ecological functions. However, the challenges are immense; they include forest degradation, mining, uncontrolled urbanization, overfishing, and poaching, which jeopardise the integrity of ecosystems. Added to these challenges are the impacts of climate change, which make Mozambique one of the most vulnerable countries in the world. To address these challenges, the article suggests that Mozambique (i) adopt coherent and effective public conservation policies; (ii) strengthen community governance; (iii) promote social equity in access to natural resources; (iv) invest in science, innovation and technology to monitor and protect ecosystems; and (v) mobilise financing and international cooperation to address the global environmental challenges of climate change.