Strengthening incentives for coastal stewardship in Mozambique

Abstract

This policy brief summarizes an assessment of the policy, legal, and institutional frameworks in Mozambique and their use of iincentives for coastal conservation and fisheries management in the country. Although these frameworks are largely robust and progressive, a set of linked regulatory and implementation challenges continue to limit the effectiveness of incentive-based approaches. Challenges include highly centralized systems that impact approval timelines for APGCs and limit CCPs’ access to benefits and financial services. There are also weak systems in place for collecting and managing fisheries data, including a lack of standardized protocols and limited training and resourcing of CCPs. In addition, conflicting mandates for different government agencies compound regulatory inconsistencies regarding the authority of CCPs. To address all of these challenges, we recommended a combination of regulatory reforms and capacity building activities. Together, these measures will support marine conservation and fisheries management priorities alongside improving the well-being and resilience of coastal communities.