Lugenda Wildlife Reserve (LUWIRE) was created to preserve and enhance the vast unique ecosystem found in northernmost Mozambique.
An idea was formulated to set aside a considerable area of land totaling around 7500 Square kilomtres along the east bank of the Lugenda River bordering the Niassa Game Reserve to create a safe haven for flora and fauna.
The Niassa Reserve in Mozambique is one of the largest game parks within Africa. It is located at the most northern part of Mozambique on the border with Tanzania and under 200 Kilometers from the Selous Game Reserve. The total area under the protection of the Niassa Reserve is 42000 square kilometres of the most pristine area of Mozambique and has never been commercially exploited. The authorities of the Niassa Reserve decided to create buffer zones between the parks and populated areas and to allocate these zones to conservation minded private investors. These investors would assume the responsibility to preserve and enhance the flora and fauna in the area, and to include the local communities in this objective while at the same time benefitting them economically.
In April 2000, LUWIRE (Lugenda Wildlife Reserve) became the first investor to accept this challenge and were granted Block A and C of the buffer zone. These two blocks include an area of 7200 square kilometres together with 300 kilometres of river frontage on the mighty Lugenda River. These area are rich in wildlife and host one of the largest undiscovered elephant populations within Africa. It is also home to the rare and endangered Niassa Wilderbeest known for its distinctive white band across its forehead. Other exclusive subspecies found in the area, are the Roosevelt's sable, Johnston impala and Boehms zebra. LUWIRE has formulated a unique management plan and is investing heavily in order to rapidly achieve these goals.
Conservation and anti - poaching
The first priority was to embark on effective anti - poaching initiatives. Individuals from the local community were recruited and trained as wildlife scouts (some of them were ex-hunters).
They have been supplied with the necessary equipment and transport to facilitate the protection of LUWIRE. They maintain daily radio contact with their established bases and, when required, the LUWIRE aircraft. With these new measures in place there has been an immense improvement in wildlife control in the first year of operation. LUWIRE’s other priorities are to develop its relationship with the local communities and establish programs, such as focusing on some basic requirements for essential equipment and training, which is currently being implemented.
LUWIRE is also embarking on a pilot project to assist in the overseas marketing of the communities' “honey” industry, and in support of local businesses LUWIRE is currently purchasing most products for its operations from the local market. Several other pilot projects are being studied to assist the community to become more self-reliant.
Contact:
Johannesburg Liaison Office
Cargill House, Fourways Office Park
Fourways, Johannesburg
P.O.Box 2682, Witkoppen 2068,
South Africa
Tel: 27 11 465 6904 | Fax: 27 11 465 8746
Mozambique
Rue Valentim Siti
NR.439, r/c Maputo
P.O.Box 717, Maputo, Mozambique
Tel / Fax : 258 1 41724