Threats to biodiversity in Mozambique
Demographic changes, anthropogenic actions, economic activities, poverty, unimplemented policies and climate change are among the main factors contributing to the loss of biodiversity in Mozambique.
In general, the threats to biodiversity in Mozambique can be divided into five main categories.
Weak law enforcement capacity, coupled with the rising urban population’s substantial demand for charcoal, lucrative export markets, agricultural displacement, and limited alternative energy sources are primary drivers of forest loss. Additionally, the increasing exploration and exploitation of mineral and hydrocarbon resources pose significant threats to biodiversity, especially in coastal and marine ecosystems. Furthermore, in freshwater environments, the extraction of water for human consumption, irrigation, and dam construction stand out as major contributors to the decline or loss of aquatic habitats in Mozambique.
The country has extensive natural forests and a high potential for the timber industry. However, the levels of exploitation of forest species consistently surpass permitted annual cutting volumes due to various unsustainable forest management practices. This, combined with rampant illegal logging, contributes to the long-term extinction risk of timber species. Moreover, non-timber species are also subject to over-exploitation, particularly for traditional medicine and ornamental purposes, among others. Terrestrial fauna face significant threats from poaching. Additionally, overexploitation of fisheries resources and widespread illegal fishing pose major threats to marine biodiversity, resulting in local extinctions (e.g., sawfish) and substantial depletion of marine resources.
The invasion of exotic species stands as a primary factor driving biodiversity decline, with significant ecological and socio-economic repercussions. Anthropogenic pressures, shifts in land use, and climate change collectively accelerate the proliferation of these species in Mozambique. Many exotic species are deliberately introduced into Mozambique for commercial purposes such as cattle breeding, honey production, integration into agroforestry systems, ornamental use, pets, and even conservation efforts. These introductions have resulted in profound impacts on both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as forestry and agriculture. Explore our database to learn more about invasive species.
The greatest risk of pollution or contamination of natural habitats and species is found mainly in the vicinity of industrial and urban developments, as well as agricultural activities, which have caused air, water and soil pollution. Freshwater pollution comes from many sources, such as untreated human and industrial wastewater, pesticides and fertilisers from agriculture. Mining activity has also resulted in mercury pollution, cyanide pollution, acid drainage, among others, with a focus on illegal small-scale mining. In coastal areas, untreated effluents contaminate and destroy various sensitive marine ecosystems such as corals. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the weak national capacity for the disposal and treatment of both solid waste and liquid effluents.
The highest risk of pollution or contamination of natural habitats and species predominantly occurs in the vicinity of industrial and urban developments, as well as agricultural activities, leading to air, water, and soil pollution. Freshwater pollution stems from multiple sources, including untreated human and industrial wastewater, pesticides, and fertilizers from agriculture. Mining activities have also resulted in mercury, cyanide, and acid drainage pollution, particularly with a focus on illegal small-scale mining. In coastal areas, untreated effluents contaminate and destroy various sensitive marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs. This challenge is exacerbated by the nation’s limited capacity for the disposal and treatment of both solid waste and liquid effluents.
Esta publicação relata as intervenções lideradas pelo Governo de Moçambique/FAO sobre o reforço da agricultura de pequenos agricultores de base comunitária, gestão dos recursos naturais, e diversificação dos meios de subsistência face a tensões actuais e futuras relacionadas com o clima. Fornece a razão de ser de cada uma das actividades, inovações e sucessos, mas também barreiras e desafios encontrados durante o período de três anos do projecto. As lições aprendidas de importância crítica são analisadas, e são exploradas as oportunidades de replicação e escalonamento, e de preenchimento de algumas das lacunas durante as intervenções de acompanhamento.