Embracing social learning in the management of ecosystem services in Chonguene District, Gaza Province, Mozambique
Project Description
Cultural ecosystem services which encompasses the aesthetic, cultural and spiritual services from coastal and marine environments is significant to economic development and poverty reduction in Mozambique. However, the benefits derived from these services are been eroded by development in various sectors such as agriculture, fishing, tourism and gas and oil sectors which also rely on ecosystem health to thrive. Lack of readily available data and information about their values has been identified as a major reason why they are degraded, most especially in developing countries. This project aims to transform ecosystem service management policy and practice approaches through innovative application of social learning theory to advance understanding of the role of local knowledge systems in ecosystem service management. This information is essential to enhance ecosystem conservation and its sustainable use which are considered to be crucial in the maintenance of the levels of the economic growth of the country. The project will adopt an innovative approach that combines social learning activities and interviews to generate data. The project outcomes will be prepared in two major outputs. First is to integrate into curriculum at primary and secondary level to enhance understanding of cultural services at the younger generation thereby ensuring that long-term knowledge is maintained. Secondly, is to create a cultural ecosystem services centre the will be a hub for useful information on and disseminate knowledge of ecosystems services and the local cultural heritage of Mozambique.
Embracing Social Learning Team
From left to right: Alana Sengulane, Zacarias Ombe and Varsil Cossa (assistant archaeologist from Eduardo Mondlane University). Evidences of the Threats to Coastal Ecosystem Services from Erosion Under influence of climatic changes. We are at one of the archaeological sites of Matola Civilization C. 1000 AD. of Bantu agriculturalists and cattle keepers, which relied also on marine food. evidences of muscles and ceramic artifacts are present . Gradient ecosystem , transition from main land to marine or filled with water interdunal depressions were visited and showed high potential of ecosystems services and exposure to social inter generational learning.
Summary
Location: Mozambique
PI: Zacarias Alexandre Ombe (Universidade Pedagogica)
Co-Is: Olalekan Adekola (York), Alana Sengulane (Universidade Pedagogica), Kate Crinon (University of Ulster)
Size: Medium