Mozambique’s Ministry of Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries (MIMAIP) in partnership with Blue Forest, a UAE-based mangrove reforestation specialist has launched the largest mangrove reforestation project in Africa.
The project will be implemented in the biodiversity-sensitive provinces of Sofala and Zambezia. Furthermore, it will spread across 185,000 hectares of mangrove forests. The project will plant between 50-100 million trees as part of this long-term partnership. Furthermore, it will offset approximately 200,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to taking 50,000 cars off the road.
The partners will utilise high-resolution satellite imagery, LiDAR technology and remote sensing data to identify key hot spots. These hotspots will represent where the need for restoration is highest. The project will then employ AI algorithms to decipher the satellite data and field measurement. This approach will customise the reforestation activities in an accurate, efficient and transparent manner.
The reforestation works will collaborate with several stakeholders tackling mangrove forest restoration in Mozambique. Public institutions, universities and NGOs, will also engage in this flagship campaign. In addition, the project will receive financing through carbon credits. Furthermore, the local and national stakeholders will share the proceeds as per the guidelines set by FNDS.
Xavier Munjovo, Permanent Secretary of MIMAIP, commented: “Mozambique has over 300,000 hectares of mangroves along its coast. We are glad to partner with Blue Forest and to introduce innovative technology in the way we map and restore our vital mangrove forests for generations to come.”
Vahid Fotuhi, Founder and CEO of Blue Forest, added: “Mozambique is a hugely strategic country when it comes to mangrove forests. We are glad to partner with MIMAIP and to work in coordination with all the public and private national and provincial institutions. Tens of thousands of people and endless marine life will benefit from this project.”
