MozParks and Eden Reforestation Projects launch their partnership in the rejuvenation of 260 hectares Green Belt around Beluluane Industrial Park in Boane

MozParks fully accepts its responsibility to the natural environment and the surrounding communities. It views action in the greenbelt areas around its parks as a long-term commitment to the environment and to the neighbouring communities. As such, it is ambitiously tackling the rejuvenation and preservation of the 260 hectares Green Belt around Beluluane Industrial Park in Boane. The green belt is established to protect the sensitive indigenous plants along the banks of the Matola River and will also encourage respect for indigenous plants, many of which have traditional health and nutritious values. This initiative is carried out in partnership with the Eden Reforestation Projects and is an extension of the commitment made by MozParks in June 2020 which was supported by the governor of Maputo.

The goals of the MozParks and Eden Projects reforestation programme include:

• The rejuvenation of mangroves, the replanting of indigenous terrestrial trees, especially those bearing fruit high in vitamin c, and the preservation of existing indigenous trees in the 260 hectares of Green Belt .
• The establishment of a nursery within BIP to supply tree saplings for the reestablishment of the Green Belt and to educate local community members on how indigenous fruit bearing trees can be propagated
• The creation of employment opportunities for community members in running the nursery and in replanting
• The education and increased awareness on the importance and long term benefits of indigenous trees and plants and the value of greenbelts and green spaces for communities

The launch of the project on the 29^th of April 2022 in Boane, was attended by Aida Sulemane Directora Provincial de Desenvolvimento Territorial e Ambiente who said in her address that she was honoured to be present at this important partnership between industry and conservation.

Onório Manuel, the General Manager of MozParks, said that MozParks is aiming to be a role model in sustainable industrial development in Mozambique. It is continuously seeking opportunities to partner with projects that do not only provide industrial and business growth, but also make a positive impact on increasing local employment and creating an ecologically friendly environment. “Our legacy should not be money, but rather protecting and creating a healthy habitat”.

Dr Gildo Cuamba, the director of Eden Reforestation Project in Mozambique said that to date, Eden has planted 72 million trees in Mozambique, and they are committed to this strategic partnership with MozParks. They look forward to a long-term partnership as MozParks expands throughout the country. This, he believes, supports their mission of “Plant trees and save lives”.

Representatives from DUYS engineering company who attended the ceremony, welcomed the initiative by MozParks and Eden Projects and their comments supported those of David Scheepers from Capital Star Steel who reiterated that this initiative would have long term benefits with the potential for enviro-activities such as cycling and birding.