Celmira da Silva, Mozambique's Deputy Minister of Land, Environment and Rural Development, recently argued in favour of tourism based on biodiversity, according to local press reports, saying that it can play ‘a significant role in the economic sustainability of the country's conservation areas’.

Speaking in Boane at the opening of a meeting of the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), Da Silva said currently conservation areas only offered 1 500 beds, a number that ANAC planned to increase fivefold by 2024.

She said biodiversity-based tourism had the potential to provide a wide variety of employment, noting that in Southern Africa, eco-tourism was already competing on an equal footing with other economic activities. “As a result, this sector could produce revenues equal to those from Mozambique’s agriculture, livestock and fisheries combined.

“The observation of iconic marine species, such as whales, is already proving a major tourist attraction across the globe. Here Mozambique enjoys a competitive advantage as it plays host to three marine conservation areas: the Quirimbas National Park in the far north; the Bazaruto Archipelago in the southern province of Inhambane; and the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, on the border with the South African province of KwaZulu Natal.”

Da Silva commended the progress made in conserving biodiversity with the recent restocking of conservation areas (including the Zinave National Park and the Maputo Special Reserve) with 3 308 animals of various species. “This is encouraging. It shows how far we are moving away from the harsh realities of the recent past by building national self-sufficiency in wildlife stocks.”

She praised ANAC for its yearly 7% growth in revenue but warned all staff against corruption. “Do not become involved in illicit activities. Distance yourselves from corruption, because it is responsible for failure. ANAC staff members must be disciplined and must set an example, particularly with regard to the use of fauna and flora and the management of the environment in which they live.”