Casa Partida
Mozambique

About this project

The Casa Partida planting site, also known as Rio Savane, is situated in Savane Bay. It spans almost 1,000 hectares of sturdy mangroves that require protection and degraded areas that need restoration. This site is located within a system of coastal barriers around 35 kilometers northeast of Beira, a port city and the capital of the province of Sofala. Beira is also the second-largest city in Mozambique.

The diverse fauna in this region plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s health. Numerous invertebrate species, including the sand blubber crab (Dotilla fenestrate), burrowing crabs (Cardisoma carnife), and the d’Urville’s fiddler crab (Tubuca urvillei), have made the mangrove forests at Casa Partida their natural habitat. Several species of sea snails, slugs, mud creepers (Terebralia palustris), and mudskippers (Periophthalmus kalolo) inhabit the mangrove ecosystem.
The mangrove trees provide food and shelter for migratory bird species such as the crab plover (Dromas ardeola), African spoonbill (Platalea alba), great egret (Ardea alba), as well as the resident mangrove kingfisher (Halcyon senegaloides).

Mangroves located in Mozambique are facing a significant threat from overexploitation due to their use as firewood, charcoal production, and building materials. The deep root systems of healthy mangrove forests limit soil erosion and protect against storm surges. The degradation of the mangrove ecosystems along the coast north of Beira has made coastal communities vulnerable to severe weather events such as cyclones and tropical storms. Ecosystem services, including breeding areas for birds and nursery habitats for fish and shellfish, are threatened, resulting in a loss of livelihood for the region’s residents.

In response, a large-scale mangrove restoration initiative was launched with the local communities. This effort not only seeks to revive the environment but also aims to create sustainable employment for local residents. Casa Partida spans 854 hectares along southern Mozambique’s coastline, with a planting density of 10,000 trees per hectare and a total capacity of 8.54 million trees.

Progress and community impact

Since planting began in March 2021, there has been remarkable progress at the Casa Partida planting site. Over three years, the team has planted over 2,000,000 trees, creating an average of 400 working days per month and employing an average of 19 people. Each team member worked an average of 22 days per month, providing consistent, dignified employment and empowering local communities to actively participate in environmental restoration efforts.

Casa Partida is home to 100 families who rely on artisanal fishing and subsistence farming, both of which are heavily dependent on healthy mangrove ecosystems. By involving these communities in restoration efforts, the project fosters economic growth while addressing the root causes of deforestation.

With a steady income, the local communities can put savings aside, invest in their households, start micro-enterprises to diversify their income opportunities, and provide healthcare and everyday needs for their families. Families were also able to improve their fishing equipment (fishing nets, boats) to carry out fishing activities which is a common subsistence practice in the Casa Partida area. Additional significant socioeconomic impacts include improved diets and health due to purchasing nutritious food and increasing education as families can afford to send their children to school.

Location

Country: Mozambique
Province: Sofala

Project Type

Reforestation

Environmental Benefits

Location

Country: Mozambique
Province: Sofala

Project Type

Reforestation

Environmental Benefits

About this project

The Casa Partida planting site, also known as Rio Savane, is situated in Savane Bay. It spans almost 1,000 hectares of sturdy mangroves that require protection and degraded areas that need restoration. This site is located within a system of coastal barriers around 35 kilometers northeast of Beira, a port city and the capital of the province of Sofala. Beira is also the second-largest city in Mozambique.

The diverse fauna in this region plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s health. Numerous invertebrate species, including the sand blubber crab (Dotilla fenestrate), burrowing crabs (Cardisoma carnife), and the d’Urville’s fiddler crab (Tubuca urvillei), have made the mangrove forests at Casa Partida their natural habitat. Several species of sea snails, slugs, mud creepers (Terebralia palustris), and mudskippers (Periophthalmus kalolo) inhabit the mangrove ecosystem.

The mangrove trees provide food and shelter for migratory bird species such as the crab plover (Dromas ardeola), African spoonbill (Platalea alba), great egret (Ardea alba), as well as the resident mangrove kingfisher (Halcyon senegaloides).

Mangroves located in Mozambique are facing a significant threat from overexploitation due to their use as firewood, charcoal production, and building materials. The deep root systems of healthy mangrove forests limit soil erosion and protect against storm surges. The degradation of the mangrove ecosystems along the coast north of Beira has made coastal communities vulnerable to severe weather events such as cyclones and tropical storms. Ecosystem services, including breeding areas for birds and nursery habitats for fish and shellfish, are threatened, resulting in a loss of livelihood for the region’s residents.

In response, a large-scale mangrove restoration initiative was launched with the local communities. This effort not only seeks to revive the environment but also aims to create sustainable employment for local residents. Casa Partida spans 854 hectares along southern Mozambique’s coastline, with a planting density of 10,000 trees per hectare and a total capacity of 8.54 million trees.

Progress and
Community impact

Since planting began in March, the team has made significant strides, directly planting over 506,284 mangrove propagules. This achievement has been accompanied by the creation of an average of 210 working days per month for local residents, offering dignified jobs and empowering communities to become active participants in environmental restoration.

Casa Partida is home to 100 families who rely on artisanal fishing and subsistence farming, both of which are heavily dependent on healthy mangrove ecosystems. By involving these communities in restoration efforts, the project fosters economic growth while addressing the root causes of deforestation.

Cultural and historical significance

Cultural and historical significance

For generations, the mangrove forests of Casa Partida have been integral to the cultural and economic fabric of the local population. They serve as a critical resource for artisanal fishing and subsistence farming while providing materials for traditional practices. The project not only restores the landscape but also preserves these customs and strengthens community ties to the environment.

Current activities and looking ahead

Current activities and looking ahead

Core activities at Casa Partida include the collection and planting of mangrove propagules, training local residents in sustainable forest management, and monitoring the growth and health of newly planted mangroves. Workshops are conducted to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves, ensuring long-term community engagement. By integrating restoration efforts with employment opportunities, the project aims to create a replicable model for sustainable development.

With continued community involvement, this initiative aims to break the cycle of poverty, stimulate economic growth, and leave a lasting legacy of resilience and prosperity in Sofala Province. Together, these efforts will ensure that the mangrove forests of Casa Partida are not only restored but protected for generations to come.