Mangrove reforestation at Djabissa

Context

Located south of Maputo, the Djabissa area has been heavily deforested due to firewood harvesting and charcoal production, further exacerbated by floods and drought. Today, it is the focus of an extensive reforestation initiative.

The Djabissa region, once covered by thriving mangroves, has suffered ecological decline from storms, droughts, and unsustainable use of natural resources. Deforestation has reduced biodiversity, weakened coastal defenses, and put local food security at risk. Today, through joint efforts between the project and nearby communities, millions of native mangroves are being replanted, restoring the estuary, strengthening natural barriers, and supporting the resilience of fishing and farming livelihoods.

Gallery

Riforestazione Mangrovie Mozambico Djabissa 5 3x

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Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

The project is carried out in close partnership with coastal communities, who actively take part in reforestation and caring for young seedlings. The species planted include Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza - all essential for restoring the local ecological balance. Since 2020, hundreds of hectares have already been reforested with more than 600,000 trees, and the site has the potential to host over 4 million new plantings. Activities slow down during the driest months (November to January) to ensure higher survival rates. Once mature, the mangroves will produce propagules that support the forest’s natural regeneration. Beyond capturing CO₂ and helping fight climate change, the project also empowers women, creates job opportunities, and shields local communities from increasingly frequent floods and cyclones.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

The goal is to restore the Djabissa mangrove forest to enhance biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and improve the well-being of local communities.

The project aims to restore 427 hectares of mangroves along Maputo Bay, creating a healthy and resilient coastal ecosystem. Its main goals are to rebuild forest cover with native species, improve community resilience against extreme climate events, strengthen food security through the recovery of fisheries, increase CO₂ absorption, and support both marine and terrestrial biodiversity. At the same time, the initiative promotes social and economic development by provding training opportunities and fostering community inclusion, with a particular focus on women empowerment.

The approach is based on active reforestation with direct involvement of local communities. Each year, mangroves are planted at an average density of 10,000 trees per hectare, with sites carefully selected to ensure successful growth. The estuary is monitored to secure seedling survival, with additional plantings added as needed. Restored mangrove forests provide multiple benefits: soil stabilization, natural protection against storm surges, habitats for numerous species, and a sustainable resource for communities. Moreover, the project aligns with Mozambique’s national restoration strategy, which aims to recover one million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

Sustainable Development Goals

Supporting this project you’re contributing to the following SDGs:

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