Development strategies for a coastal resort in Southern Mozambique

As part of a long-term monitoring project studying coastal development, a number of rapid scan field surveys and project interventions were conducted in Ponta do Ouro, at the southern border of Mozambique. Here we report on four issues in support of sustainable development: 1. Tourism, 2. Water supplies, 3. Biodiversity and 4. Governance. In our tourism study, we interviewed tourists and managers, and placed a researcher as an intern in a beach camp to assess management and interactions. Tourism brings in about $3 Million in revenue annually. The seasonal variability in demand requires managers to adjust staffing levels to ensure viability. Local staff is insensitive to profit margins - so tend to resist. Tourists come for the beach and scuba-diving, and do not want development. In our water study; quality, supply and demand were quantified at source and community level. It was found that the local lake will meet the needs of the entire population including tourists in peak season, if a small pay-for-service can be developed. Currently, most of the community hand-carry water from open wells. In the biodiversity study: botanical and zoological species richness was assessed in three different habitats: dune forest, grassland, and wetland; all within close proximity of the resort. In addition fish species on the coral reefs were identified during a scuba dive. It is suggested that zoological richness at order level of classification is the most useful indicator of bio-diversity and the need for conservation. In the governance study, a plan for the development of a town services department was presented to key stakeholders, and reactions were gauged. Leasehold taxes are diverted to the district and national level, leaving little for infrastructure improvements and services. It was found that the rural community members strongly support a local services department, and indicated a willingness to pay. However, most business managers have water and other services; and believe that ʹdevelopmentʹ would disturb the tranquillity and lead to an influx of migrant workers. Hence there is little consensus on the need for governance to be localised. Inevitably, mass tourism projects will provide in-direct benefits and services, as this coastal resort develops.