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Abstract:
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"Traditional systems of common property rights in natural resources management have existed over a long time in Mozambique. These are systems that have been, for so long, ignored and considered inappropriate, but nowadays they are being recognized as effective instruments in sustainable use of natural resources. At present, land, forestry and wildlife resources are state property and there is evidence that the state is too weak, in some places, to implement sustainable resource use and management.
"The Mozambican colonial and post-independence legislation, which did not recognize the traditional systems of natural resources management, has contributed to the erosion of the community sense of ownership over resources. However, one of the principles defended by the new land, forestry and wildlife laws is the recognition of local communities' participation in sustainable use and management of natural resources thereby entrenching community property rights. However, these are new laws that are beginning to be implemented. There is indeed a gap between the laws and their practical application in that the pertinent regulations are still being developed.
"In Southern Mozambique, there have been traditional forms of natural resources management based on common property rights. The examples include: (1) exploitation of mussels; (2) salt extraction; (3) fishing in lagoons and use of traditional water sources; (4) common use of sacred areas; (5) common use of rangelands; (6) common use of medicinal plants and some wild fruits; (7) common use of Miombo forests for mushroom collection, and (8) common use of forests for various other wood and non-wood forest products.
"This paper seeks to analyze the common use of these natural resources, including the means employed to regulate use and exclude non-members of the group. An analysis of factors that may contribute to the decline of common pool resources is done, with emphasis on: (1) population growth, deforestation and loss of plant and animal habitats; (2) destabilization caused by civil war; (3) loss of sense of ownership; and (4) monetarization of the economy, state intervention and market forces.
"The principal argument is that in Southern Mozambique, there is local communities' history and experiences in common property natural resources use, control and management that were effective for conservation purposes and in satisfying people's needs. This local knowledge and experiences are important to study and incorporate in rural development initiatives by the government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. It can also orient the establishment and promotion of successful community-based natural resources management programs in the country."
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