Linking biodiversity and cultural heritage

Chimanimani National Park is located in the Sussundenga district of Manica Province on Mount Binga, the highest mountain in Mozambique, on the border with Zimbabwe. The national park is home to a rich ecosystem, especially in the mountainous regions, with rocky landscapes and unique species of plants, birds, reptiles and butterflies. The local communities preserve cave paintings, beliefs and ancient traditions that also make the area culturally significant. The mountains contain a variety of vegetation types, from forests in the lowlands to grasslands at higher altitudes. A wide variety of plant and animal species can be found.

Towards the first transboundary biosphere reserve between Mozambique and Zimbabwe

In 2022, the neighbouring Chimanimani Biosphere Reserve on the Zimbabwean side has become the second UNESCO biosphere reserve in Zimbabwe. The Mozambican National Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Administration for Protected Areas (ANAC) and with the support of the German Commission for UNESCO, is now seeking to designate the Mozambican part of the Chimanimani National Park as a biosphere reserve. The aim is to create the first transboundary biosphere reserve in the region.

The Secretary General, Mrs Élia Bila, holds a microphone and gives a welcoming speech.
Élia Bila, Secretary General for Mozambique NATCOM | © Mozambique National Commission for UNESCO

1. Phase of the nomination process

To facilitate the complex nomination process, the preparatory work was divided into two phases. First, a two-day workshop was held in 2024 for the local communities in the area of the future biosphere reserve. The purpose of the workshop was to inform them, address their interests and concerns, and gain their support for the nomination process. The workshop presented the concept of UNESCO biosphere reserves as model regions for sustainable development.

The director of Chimanimani National Park, Mr Lionel Macicame, is sitting on a chair at a table. He is speaking into a microphone.
Lionel Macicame, Director Chimanimani National Park | © Mozambique National Commission for UNESCO

Biosphere reserves in Southern Africa

18

Biosphere reserves in the region "Southern Africa" (Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe)

Mozambique

1

Biosphere reserve in Mozambique

Infobox

Read more

Overview page: Programme for the Promotion of Biosphere Reserves in Southern Africa

More information on the projects in EnglishExternal link:

More information on biosphere reserves worldwide

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