Eight communities in the landscape of the Marromeu Reserve, which participated in the ReGeCom Community Governance Project between 2021 and 2023, were awarded funding under the 7th Global Environment Facility(GEF) Small Grant Program (SGP).
This new project seeks to strengthen local governance by empowering the community committees of the communities of Macuere, Safrique and Nhamiambe. The aim is to consolidate participatory and decision-making processes in land and natural resource management, and to boost the implementation of community development agendas. About 1,100 will benefit directly from the fund, whose implementation will be facilitated by the Union for Sustainable Development (UDS), a member of ReGeCom.
The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented in Mozambique by UNDP and implemented by UNOPS, is intended to support civil society, community-based and non-governmental organizations in developing countries. The program provides resources to address global environmental challenges while promoting local solutions for sustainable development.
ReGeCom’s Community Governance approach, as a mechanism to improve the engagement of local communities in the management of their land and natural resources, is being implemented in other landscapes, such as Chimanimani National Park in Manica province, Magoe National Park in Tete province, Mount Mabu in Zambezia province and Maputo National Park. Among the main achievements achieved so far are:
- establishment of 35 Community committees, which are ready to receive funding or direct support;
- The formal registration of 150,000 hectares of community land for 12 communities;
- The training of more than 3,600 community members.
With these initiatives, ReGeCom reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainability, active participation and empowerment of local communities, creating solid foundations for nature-based investments and efficient and inclusive management of natural resources in Mozambique.
