Coastal habitats such as mangroves and estuaries provide important ecosystem services for human communities. These habitats are also some of the most heavily exploited by humans and therefore threaten natural systems. Nova Mambone village, established in 1957, is adjacent to an estuary, forming extensive mangrove forests, and the livelihood of the villagers are linked with the non-agricultural sources. Fishing and allied activities from the rivers and estuary are carried out without restrictions. Male fishers are engaged in exploiting fish, prawns and crabs in large scale for commercial purposes, female adults are either unemployed or are engaged in informal businesses, while children collect shells, fish, crabs, honey, and firewood to satisfy their daily needs.

This study revealed that there are four estuary centers on site and they are operated by 8100 fishermen. There is no restriction for the products collected in the mangrove forest area. Nova Mambone village has experienced rates of mangrove loss in the last 10 years due to extreme events such as flooding, cyclones, and consequently reduced fish production, which is their main source of income. Such mangrove deforestation has had significant, albeit varying, impacts on the livelihoods of villagers. The livelihoods of inhabitants in Nova Mambone were studied to understand the implication of extreme events on their livelihood. The reduction of fish production has been the main constraint.

Artisanal fisheries are a key subsistence activity of coastal populations of East Africa. Significant numbers of local communities depend on artisanal fisheries for food and income. Northern Mozambique is changing rapidly due to oil and gas industry and tourism. This presentation looks at the increased pressure on fisheries, other opportunities for coastal communities, and the notion of exiting fishing.

Björn Schulte- Herbruggen’s presentation at WIOMSA on environmental income and it’s potential to left people out of poverty.

Tim Daw’s presentation on ecosystem service elasticity at WIOMSA. Daw concludes that the relationship between ecosystems and wellbeing is complex  and not necessarily positive, and that understanding ecosystem elasticity can inform conservation and poverty alleviation efforts. Ecosystem service elasticity is affected by ecological and social mechanisms, is different for different people, and is different under different contexts.

Björn Schulte-Herbruggen’s presentation at the 2015 PECS conference about environmental income in urban and rural coastal communities.