Coastal impacts im Mozambique

This paper discusses changing patterns of
resource utilisation over time in the locality of Chibuene,
Vilankulos, situated on the coastal plain of southern
Mozambique. The macroscopic charcoal, bone and shell
assemblages from archaeological excavations are presented
and discussed against the off-site palaeoecological records
from pollen, fungal spores and microscopic charcoal. The
Chibuene landscape has experienced four phases of land
use and resource utilisation that have interacted with
changes in the environment. Phase 1 (A.D. 400–900), forest
savanna mosaic, low intensity cattle herding and cultivation,
trade of resources for domestic use. Phase 2 (A.D.
900–1400), forest savanna mosaic, high intensity/extensive
cultivation and cattle herding. Phase 3 (A.D. 1400–1800),
savanna woodland and progressive decrease in forests
owing to droughts. Decline of agricultural activities and
higher reliance on marine resources. Possible trade of
resources with the interior. Phase 4 (A.D. 1800–1900), open
savanna with few forest patches. Warfare and social unrest.
Collapse of trade with the interior. Decline in marine
resources and wildlife. Loss of cattle herds. Expansion of
agriculture locally and introduction of New World crops
and clearing of Brachystegia trees. The study shows the
importance of combining different environmental resources
for elucidating how land use and natural variability have
changed over time.

In Cabo Delgado, Mozambique north coast (1.600 km away from Maputo and 600 from Dar es Salaam), very important Gas deposits have recently been discovered.
The potential for economic and social development must be well exploited: Three areas for strategic effort have been suggested to benefit from Energy inputs: Agro-food development, Industrial enterprise and Tourism services. They have to be made compatible in environmental and territorial terms to reach sustainability.

Cabo Delgado coast north of Pemba, up to Palma and beyond to the Tanzania border, has a very characteristic wavy coastline protected from rough sea by a parallel set of islands: a peculiar ecosystem with enormous tourist potential. Environment, Tourism and Gas extraction have to be made compatible in the coastline. Inland has to provide for the necessary infrastructures to support capital investment in industry as well as for agro-alimentary production and food processing.

The territorial structure takes form under related parallel gradient lines that work together in a social and productive mechanism. Development might start from the specific points of Palma and Pemba but a clear vision of the overall structure will allow for development of other potential urban settlements, productive and tourist locations in a sustainable long-term framework.