The COSTA VIVA – Strengthening Community Resilience and Coastal Ecosystem Conservation in Maputo Bay project is implemented by ICEI, in collaboration with PNAM – Maputo National Park and IdeiaLab, with the support of the COAST Facility, funded by the UK Government.
COSTA VIVA is a coastal conservation and climate change adaptation initiative that aims to strengthen the environmental, social and economic resilience of coastal communities in Maputo Bay, with a particular focus on Inhaca Island and the Municipality of Matola. These areas are characterised by high ecological value and increasing vulnerability, where mangroves, seagrass meadows and coral reefs play a critical role in coastal protection, biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods, but are under growing pressure from unsustainable resource use, pollution, urbanisation and climate change impacts.
The project integrates gender equality, social inclusion and poverty reduction as cross-cutting priorities, with special attention to women and young people, who are often among the most affected by environmental degradation while having limited access to decision-making and economic opportunities.
To respond to these challenges, COSTA VIVA adopts an integrated approach that combines environmental conservation, participatory governance and sustainable livelihood development. The project strengthens community-based natural resource management structures, supports the establishment and legal recognition of community-managed coastal and marine areas, and reinforces coordination and dialogue between communities and public institutions at local and municipal levels.
In parallel, COSTA VIVA promotes economic activities compatible with conservation, including responsible community-based tourism, sustainable aquaculture and local entrepreneurship. By diversifying income sources and linking livelihoods to healthy ecosystems, the project reduces pressure on natural resources while contributing to improved well-being and long-term resilience of coastal households.
COSTA VIVA aims to strengthen the climate, environmental, social and economic resilience of coastal communities in Maputo Bay by supporting the sustainable conservation and management of marine and coastal ecosystems.
The project focuses on strengthening the capacity of coastal communities in Inhaca Island and the Municipality of Matola to participatively manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems. Led by ICEI, and developed in close collaboration with MNP and IdeiaLab, the project supports communities in reinforcing local governance structures, establishing community-managed areas and developing sustainable economic activities linked to coastal and marine resources. Particular attention is given to ensuring the active involvement and leadership of women and young people, contributing to more inclusive, locally driven and resilient coastal management systems.
Direct beneficiaries: 550 people from coastal communities in Inhaca Island and the Municipality of Matola through structured and high-intensity support.
Direct beneficiaries include 24 members of Community Fisheries Councils (CCPs) and community associations trained on Nature-based Solutions and ecological restoration, and 20 community members trained and directly involved in reef and seagrass restoration activities. In addition, 240 individuals will receive capacity building on the use of clean energy solutions for cooking. The project will also support 6 gender activists working at community level, 60 community and association members trained in governance and leadership, and 60 community members actively participating in the development of coastal management plans. Furthermore, 20 tour guides will be trained on sustainable tourism practices, 10 women will be supported through business acceleration initiatives, 60 people will complete structured entrepreneurial bootcamps, 20 individuals will be trained in sustainable aquaculture, and 30 people will participate in local business acceleration programmes.
Indirect beneficiaries: 2609 people
Project activities
COSTA VIVA will be implemented through a participatory and community-led approach in Inhaca Island and the Municipality of Matola, combining ecosystem conservation, inclusive governance and sustainable livelihood development. The project will work with Community Fisheries Councils, community associations and local authorities to strengthen local governance structures and support communities to actively manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.
Core activities will focus on the restoration and protection of mangroves, seagrass meadows and coral reefs through Nature-based Solutions that integrate scientific guidance, technical standards and local knowledge. Communities will be trained and directly involved in restoration actions, while participatory mapping, delimitation and planning processes will support the establishment and legal recognition of community-managed areas and the development of locally owned management plans aligned with municipal and national frameworks. PNAM will play a key role in guiding conservation actions and ensuring alignment with protected area management objectives, particularly on Inhaca Island.
In parallel, the project will promote sustainable and diversified livelihood opportunities that reduce pressure on natural resources. With technical leadership from IdeiaLab, activities will include co-creation processes, business activation and acceleration programmes, and targeted support to women- and youth-led enterprises linked to responsible tourism and local value chains. Complementary actions will promote clean energy solutions for cooking and gender equality awareness at community level. Continuous coordination with institutional stakeholders will ensure long-term sustainability, policy alignment and locally owned outcomes across Maputo Bay.