Foundation for Recovery (1997 - 2009)
With the return of peace, “Safari Hunting” was re-opened and the coutadas were put out for tender to private operators to resume safari activities. In 1997 Rio Save Safaris successfully tendered for the lease of Coutada 9. The repercussion of the conflict and recent drought could be seen in the species representation. The bulk grazing species, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and waterbuck, that are heavily reliant on water, were eradicated. The less water reliant browser species of kudu, eland and impala where still present in small remnant populations holding out against the poachers. Predators consisted of a few nomadic lions, a couple of leopard, jackal and hyena were extinct from the area. It was soon obvious that major rehabilitation operations would be required, as was the case throughout the country, before the Coutada could once again be used for any form of sustainable wildlife-based land usage. The company established a rustic base camp and developed a meager network of hunting tracks in the area, but the reality was the area was not a viable safari destination as is. Little if any rehabilitation work had been achieved, and towards the end of the initial 5 year lease the company was sold.
The new directors persuaded the Mozambique Government that a long-term lease was required. This would enable all parties to benefit from the investment and management that would be required to rehabilitate the Coutada. Furthermore, the Coutada was occupied by local communities who had built villages and set up agriculture activities on a subsistence level within the area and this too needed to be addressed in an amicable and workable manner. Rio Save Safaris worked with Government and local communities to establish zones within the Coutada, these are:
Official Hunting Area N˚ 9: Published as the 'Exclusive Hunting Zone under Management of the Operator of Official Game Preserve Number 9" commonly called the “Core Conservation Area” is the official zoning classification establishing it as the primary big game hunting zone of Coutada 9, and is for use only by the Operators of Coutada 9.
Natural Areas (Zona Tampåo): Published as the Natural Resources Community Management Area, this zone is designed to be used by both the local communities and the Operators of Coutada 9 for hunting and sustainable utilization the natural resources of Coutada 9.
Residential Area (Zona Residecial): Published as the Residential Zone and Exercise of Other Activities, is where local communities are to live and conduct agricultural or other economic endeavors utilizing the natural resources of Coutada 9.
As incentive to encourage conservation within the local population and also help uplift the surrounding villages, it was agreed that the local community would receive 25% of the Net trophy fee of any animals hunted within the core conservation area and 75% of Net trophy fee of animals hunted within the community management area or the agricultural zone. In 2005, after 2 years of consultation between all parties, the Government completed the zoning of Coutada 9 and a 15-year lease was given to Rio Save Safaris with an option to renew for a further 15 years. To achieve their objectives a management plan was developed and implemented. Firstly, create an anti-poaching force that protects the coutada and its wildlife populations. Secondly develop an environment that is self-sustaining (historical migration being no longer viable) and capable of supporting large wildlife populations. To re-introduce species and boost population numbers of species that have been reduced excessively. Lastly to utilise the coutadas’ natural resources in a manner that is sustainable and of benefit to all stakeholders
