Mozambique

Quite a different approach was followed by TREP to assess landscape value in Gorongosa National Park, in central Mozambique. After a first visit to the area, TREP developed a spatially explicit conceptual model of how communities value their local landscape, and then went back to the field to collect field information in order to validate this model.

The chronological steps of the approach:

1. Community landscape valuation

   1. Creation of a conceptual model and of basic spatial layers
      
       

   2. Field visit to form a community resource use assessment team (CRUAT), and to use participatory system analysis tools to better understand value systems of people
      
      

   3. Refinement of the model

   4. Field sampling along transects: CRUAT members score sites for goods and services, costs and landscape value (Click here to view the datasheet)
   5. Testing and updating the model (Click the here to view the model)

2. Vegetation inventory and assessment
   1. Stratification on basis of satellite and airphoto interpretation
   2. Vegetation survey (traditional; with species, abundance and vegetation structure information)
   3. Vegetation classification and diversity assessments
   4. Assessment of conservation value

And finally

3. Overlay of community and conservation valuations
   1. Analysis of overlap and/or conflict between community and conservation landscape value, in order to
   2. Advise park management on management zoning and potential conflict areas

The report Assessment of the value of woodland landscape function to local communities in Gorongosa and Muanza districts, Sofala province, Mozambique gives a more detailed description.