Addressing shifting governance contexts and development objectives in the Quirimbas National Park, Mozambique

This paper presents critical lessons from the Quirimbas National Park (QNP) review process and policy recommendations for implementing spatial management efforts in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). This case study provides insights into how Mozambique’s development trajectories have influenced governance of the QNP, and consequently, the proposed downgrading of regulations and expansion of protected area boundaries. Shifting the most populated areas to sustainable use management will relax park regulations and allow the government to accommodate and engage local communities in various sustainable use activities. This will also enable the creation of additional sources of income for the conservation area and contribute to its financial sustainability. Whereas keeping the ecologically essential areas under total protection management will help prevent future degradation of these areas. Lessons learned from terrestrial parks that went through downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) show the importance of increasing the governance capacity of various government levels and stakeholders involved in protected area management.