Beluluane Industrial Park (BIP) and Mozal joined in global festivities on World Environmental Day when it hosted a tree-planting ceremony to celebrate the creation of an Eco Park within the park’s green belt zone. This dedicated conservation zone sits on the perimeter of the industrial park, bordering the Matola River and is home to more than 80 different bird species as well as a number of other herbivores and carnivores. Amongst its wildlife are two species of water birds that are officially listed as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Beluluane Industrial Park and Mozal have made a commitment to establish the ecological park in partnership with the Government of Maputo Province in order to offset and minimise the impacts that may arise from its industrial activities. These developments will support the preservation of green space which is vital for creating sustainable cities and industrial zones.

General Manager of Beluluane Industrial Park Onório Manuel commented: “As an industrial park, we are serious about investing in sustainable development. We are aware of the effects of the building boom on the outskirts of Maputo and in Matola. These activities are hardly regulated and many green zones are invaded in a non-sustainable way.”

Manuel emphasised the fact that rapid urbanisation of this area pose a substantial threat and rapid loss of wildlife and native vegetation. “Such green havens need to be conserved at all cost in order to create the sustainable cities of the future and to buffer the impacts of climate change for the wider Maputo Bay area.”

The event was attended by the Governor of Maputo Province Júlio Paruque, Boane Administrator Teresa Mauaie, Director of Development Land and Environment Aida Sulemane and other distinguished guests. As a symbolic gesture, the Governor planted an indigenous White Mangrove (mangal) tree. The tree is commonly found in Mozambique as it grows on the inland side of tropical and subtropical coastal swamps, along the east coast of Africa – from East London (South Africa) to Sudan. It is already threatened by over-exploitation in other parts of the world such as Arabia and India. The mangal tree forms part of a sensitive ecological system and is useful in stabilising banks of salt water estuaries.

Commenting on the economic impact of this project, Governor Júlio Paruque said: “It is important that the industrial park will associate as an ecological park. By preserving its ecological potential, the park will support ecotourism and offer new sources of employment”.

BIP Chairman Adrian Frey agreed: “We are coming closer to making this big dream come true. The ecological zone will protect and celebrate birds, trees and rivers that give us life. Together with the provincial government we want to create jobs but at the same time protect nature.”

Beluluane Industrial Park’s mission is to boost industrial production and contribute to socio-economic growth by means of creating jobs, especially for young Mozambicans. “The Eco Park will offer another unique opportunity to continue improving lives. We are committed to the project since we know it will preserve the land and livelinhoods of our local district for generations to come,” Frey concluded.