The event was presided over by the Provincial Director of Land and Environmental Development, Leonídio Varimelo.
According to Varimelo, oyster farming is an activity currently being developed in the coastal districts of Metuge and Mecúfi, in Cabo Delgado province.
“This initiative aims to empower and engage local communities in environmental conservation efforts while promoting sustainable practices such as the preservation and management of natural resources. The local sale of oysters generates jobs, supports self-sufficiency, and can be replicated in other communities,” explained the director.
Varimelo added that the initiative also makes a significant contribution to environmental preservation while boosting the province’s blue economy.
“We are witnessing high-impact actions, and both the government and practitioners have welcomed this initiative with enthusiasm. Communities involved in oyster production are not only improving their diets but also gaining a stable source of income,” he noted.
The director further highlighted that the districts of Mecúfi and Metuge—both coastal areas—were mapped by the government as part of a pilot phase of the initiative. The plan is to gradually extend the program to other maritime districts in the province.
“This initiative is a response to the blue economy strategy, aimed at increasing the value of our marine resources. We are advancing with oyster farming in Mecúfi, crab farming using rope techniques, and other planned activities such as coastal protection through the planting of mangrove and casuarina seedlings,” he added.
Varimelo also mentioned that the government is working on implementing monitoring and surveillance systems, in collaboration with local communities, to prevent acts of sabotage.
“Unfortunately, there are individuals with deviant behavior sabotaging equipment. We are stepping up surveillance to identify and hold these individuals accountable. We also encourage communities not to rely solely on donated cages but to begin producing their own using local materials, ensuring sustainability,” he said.
Meanwhile, members from the districts of Metuge and Mecúfi stated that the activity has brought significant income, enabling them to purchase school supplies and food for their families.
However, they also reported ongoing sabotage by nighttime fishers, which has caused serious losses.
“Last year, we suffered heavy losses due to Cyclone Chido, and nighttime fishers continue to sabotage our work. If it weren’t for that, our families and district would be more developed by now,” they shared.
Currently, oysters are sold at the following prices: Fresh opened oysters: 350 meticais per kg and Fresh unopened oysters: 200 meticais per kg.
When there are no immediate buyers, oysters are sun-dried to meet the demand for dried oysters. The profits are reinvested in families, and producers are organized into cooperatives and associations, which have proven to yield better results. (Abel Buruhane)
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