Protecting Mozambique’s Forests – A Path to Sustainable Development
- Fundação RESET
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
Mozambique’s Forests: A Vital Resource Under Threat
Mozambique is home to 32 million hectares of natural forests, covering 40% of the country’s land area. These forests, predominantly miombo woodlands, play a critical role in supporting rural communities by providing food, energy, medicine, and construction materials. The forest sector contributes significantly to the economy, generating an estimated $330 million USD in GDP and employing 22,000 people. Additionally, Mozambique’s forests store over 5.2 billion tons of CO2, offering crucial global climate benefits. However, despite their importance, these forests are being lost at an alarming rate, threatening biodiversity, rural livelihoods, and national climate commitments.
Deforestation and Environmental Degradation
Mozambique is experiencing rapid deforestation, losing approximately 267,000 hectares annually between 2003 and 2013. Illegal logging, shifting agriculture, and charcoal production are the primary drivers of deforestation, contributing to the release of 46 million tons of CO2 annually—69% of Mozambique’s total greenhouse gas emissions. These activities not only degrade ecosystems but also reduce the country’s potential for nature-based tourism and sustainable economic growth.
Government Commitments and Policy Reforms
In response to this crisis, the Government of Mozambique (GoM) has taken significant steps toward reducing deforestation and improving forest governance. The National REDD+ Strategy aims to cut deforestation by 40% and restore 1 million hectares of forests by 2030. The government has also revised forest laws, enforced bans on log exports, and established new institutions for forest law enforcement. Through these initiatives, Mozambique seeks to balance environmental conservation with economic development.
Sustainable Development and Economic Opportunities
The World Bank has partnered with Mozambique to promote an integrated landscape management approach, ensuring forests contribute to rural poverty reduction and climate resilience. Through various programs such as MozFIP, MozDGM, and Sustenta, over $300 million USD has been mobilized to support sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, and community-based resource management. These investments create opportunities for local communities by promoting eco-tourism, sustainable timber production, and non-timber forest products such as honey, essential oils, and handicrafts.
Future Challenges and the Need for Further Action
Despite progress, further efforts are needed to scale up conservation programs, enforce stricter regulations, and integrate sustainable forest management into agriculture and energy policies. Mozambique requires additional financial resources to expand its efforts and ensure forests remain a vital pillar of economic growth, biodiversity protection, and climate mitigation. Strengthening community rights, increasing transparency in the forestry sector, and investing in climate-smart agricultural practices will be crucial in ensuring long-term sustainability.
Mozambique’s forests are essential for sustaining rural communities, enhancing climate resilience, and fostering economic growth. By reinforcing conservation efforts, expanding reforestation initiatives, and promoting sustainable land-use practices, the country can protect its forests while advancing sustainable development goals. However, continued commitment from the government, private sector, and international partners will be key to securing a greener and more prosperous future for Mozambique.
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RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The preservation of the Mozambique’s Forests are closely linked to several SDGs. The main related SDGs include:
The SDG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
